Legends: Oprah Honored African American Women

By Jone Johnson Lewis, About.com Guide

Debbie Allen (1950 - ), an actress, choreographer, dancer, director and producer, was the dance teacher Lydia Grant in the television series Fame, for which she was also the principal choreographer. She is credited as the star of the 2009 movie Fame, playing the principal. Among her roles, Debbie Allen had a part in Roots. She produced and directed the TV series, A Different World, featuring students at the (fictional) historically black college, Hillman. Her older sister is actress and singer Phylicia Rashad. She has taught choreography and dance.