In that time, she’s received 20 Emmy nominations and nabbed 5, including three just this year.
But first, let’s take a look back at some of her most memorable roles.
Coming off a spate of success on Broadway, it seemed a natural fit.
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Allen portrayed Nan Branch Haley, the wife ofRootsauthor, Alex Haley.
Allen was nominated for Best Actress at the Emmys four times during the run of the show.
Choreography forMotown 30: What’s Goin' on!
CBS
Allen played a key role in this 1990 television special, commemorating 30 years of Motown Records.
She won an Emmy for her work on the “African American Odyssey” number.
Her work earned her multiple Emmy nominations across various years.
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Allen helmed a whopping 44 episodes.
She directed nine episodes across eight seasons.
Everybody Hates Chris
Allen pulled double duty on this UPN/CW sitcom inspired by comedianChris Rock’s childhood.
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She founded the Debbie Allen Dance Academy in 2000 with exactly that purpose in mind.
Charice Harrelson,S.W.A.T.
Allen features as his mother, Charice Harrelson.
NBC
Oscars/YouTube
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Fox
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Everett Collection
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Netflix
