Debbie Allen is an actress, dancer, and choreographer. She was born in Houston and attended Howard University. After working on Broadway, she broke into films in 1979 with The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh, which she ... choreographed, and achieved stardom in Fame (1980), later appearing on the TV series based on the movie, which won her two Emmys. She won a Tony Award for the 1986 revival of Sweet Charity. ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide