Debbie allen is an example of how candream come true. Everyday work, perseverance in achieving their goals, led this remarkable woman to outstanding results. She has everything - the recognition of colleagues and television viewers, successful social activities, loving husband and children.
Childhood and youth
Deborah Kay Allen was born in Houston in 1950, January 16th. Debbie's father, Andrew Arthur Allen, was a dentist by profession. Mother, Vivian Iris was a man of art and engaged in poetry.
Debbie Allen is an American by nationality, but in herveins flowing and African blood. Allen has older brothers and sister Felicia, with whom they worked together in the popular sitcom "The Cosby Show". Debbie was part of the production group, and Felicia played the main role.
In 1957, Debbie's parents decided to divorce.Vivian was left alone with the children, but continued education in the prescribed manner. Children had to do homework in order to become independent. And for the development of creative abilities mother invented all sorts of tasks in the field of literature, music, drawing.
В 1960 году мать решила увезти детей в Мексику, on an example to show them that you need to constantly strive for something new. In this case, Vivian in a foreign country had absolutely no friends, and she did not know the language. The family lived in Mexico for 2 years and returned to their homeland. Now mother and children spoke fluent Spanish.
With her father, Debbie, Allen maintained a warm relationship until his death.
Dancing
Allen from the age of 3 began to dance. At the age of 5 she began to attend dance courses.
В 12 лет девочка проходила пробы в местную школу ballet and wonderful performed. At that time, racism still flourished in America, and it was refused because of its dark complexion. After a couple of months, the choreographer at the Houston school, who was impressed with the young talent, recorded it to study secretly from everyone. He was Russian by nationality.
At the age of 16 a young dancer was chosen for the show.dance techniques at an art school that functioned at the University of North Carolina. But the girl was again denied. The wording stated that her "body is not suitable for ballet dancing."
Deborah was very hurt and decided everythingprove that she is not just a "black dancer". Allen graduated from the University and enrolled at Howard University. Her studies there were also successful. As a result, Deborah has two bachelor's degrees and honors.
After graduation, Allen went to conquer Broadway.
Cinema
In 1980, Debbie begins his career onworld famous scene. After the role of Anita in West Side Story, not only the lovers of theatrical art, but also critics drew attention to her. This led to the nomination for the "Tony Award" award and the receipt of a theater award "Drama Desk".
The most famous movie role was Lily Grant in the musical "Glory", for which Allen received the Golden Globe. It happened in 1983.
For 5 years, Deborah has been on the show onmotives of "Glory". She was both an actress and chief choreographer. In 2009, the actress took part in the filming of the remake of Glory. Performed roles in the pictures "Open check" and "Regtime". Also starred in the television series "In the House." The audience praised her actress’s talent for Passion Anatomy, where she plays the extravagant Catherine Avery.
Professional achievements
Nineteen times nominated for an Emmy AwardActress Debbie Allen. Films in which she participated as an actress, director or dancer, likewise appealed to both viewers and critics. Therefore, Deborah received this prestigious award three times.
In 1991, for her achievements, Allen was awarded the highest honor - a star on the Hollywood Walk.
Directorial career began simultaneously withacting, and for all the time Debbie was the main on the set more than 40 times. Her most famous works are The Quantum Leap, Family Ties, The Prince of Beverly Hills, and others.
The debut in the production sphere took place atdirect participation of Steven Spielberg. The combination of the director's profession and producer talent brought success, and the comedy series "Another World" came out.
As a choreographer, Allen has 5 times been involved in the production of the Oscars.
In 2001, Deborah was incorporated intoPresidential Committee on Arts and Humanities. At the same time, Deborah Allen Dance Academy opened in Los Angeles. The educational institution accepts talented children of all social strata from 4 to 18 years. Deborah herself leads some programs.
A family
For the first time, Allen married Winfried Wilferd in1975 After 8 years of marriage, the marriage broke up. The actress was not alone for long. A year later, basketball player Norman Nixon became the second and current spouse Debbie Allen. Photos of happy couples can be seen in the article.
Married spouses have two children. The eldest daughter Vivian followed in the footsteps of her mother and is a famous dancer. Son Norman Nixon Jr. inherited from the famous mom talent actor.
