Allen, Deborrah Kaye

1950 - Allen was born in Houston, Texas on January 16, 1950.

1970 - Received her bachelor's degree from Howard University.

1975 - Married Win Wilford and divorced him after eight years.

1979 - Received the Drama Desk Award.

1980 - Played the role of Lydia Grant in the movie Fame.

1982 - Directed the television series "Family Ties".

1984 - Married Norman Nixon on April 27, 1984. Directed the television episodes "Nothing Personal" and "Lisa's Song".

1985 - Directed the television episode "School is Out".

1986 - Won a Tony Award for the 1986 Broadway revival of the play "Sweet Charity".

1987 - Produced and directed the television show entitled "A Different World".

1989 - Directed the television shows "The Debbie Allen Special" and "Polly".

1992 - Won the 1992 Essence Award.

1995 - Won the 1995 Essence Award.

2001 - Appointed member of the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities by President George W. Bush.