Debbie Allen　　Debbie Allen.jpg　　Allen in 2012　　Born Deborah Kaye Allen　　January 16, 1950 (age 68)　　Houston, Texas, U.S.　　Nationality American　　Education Howard University　　Occupation Actress, choreographer, dancer, film director, television director, television producer　　Years active 1976–present　　Spouse(s) Win Wilford (m. 1975–1983)　　Norm Nixon (m. 1984)　　Relatives Phylicia Rashad (sister)　　Vivian Nixon (daughter)　　Awards 1982 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography (Fame)　　1982 Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy (Fame)　　1983 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography (Fame)　　1991 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography (Motown 30: What's Goin' On!)　　Website Debbie Allen Dance Academy　　Debbie Allen Twitter　　Debbie Kaye Allen (born January 16, 1950) is an American actress, dancer, choreographer, television director, television producer, and a member of the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities.[1][2] She is perhaps best known for her work on the 1982 musical-drama television series Fame, where she portrayed dance teacher Lydia Grant, and served as the series' principal choreographer. She currently portrays Catherine Avery on Grey's Anatomy. She is the younger sister of actress/director/singer Phylicia Rashad.