At number 5 on my Top Ten Things I love about Fame is Debbie Allen:
The entire cast worked really hard on Fame but for me, no one worked harder than Debbie. Just the normal singing, dancing and acting that she did on the show as Lydia was hard enough work but Debbie did so very much more.
I’ve heard her say in interviews that she made a lot of sacrifices in her personal life to do Fame and I think that really shines through. Not only did she do the choreography, but right from the start she had a very clear vision of the creative direction she wanted the show to go in. Most of the production staff had little clue about the dancing and music side of things so pretty much it was left to Debbie to decide on the creative issues and how the shows production numbers would look.
She was virtually directing these parts of the episodes so it was a natural progression for Debbie to become an actual producer and director on the show. I believe she was the first African American Woman to direct prime time American TV, which is a major feat in itself.
The fact that Debbie remained with the show for all 6 seasons despite the fact that in her personal life she was dealing with divorce, the death of her Father, marriage and having children, is a great achievement. Did anyone even notice she was pregnant in season 3 and then rushed back from her maternity leave to start season 4? Did anyone notice she was pregnant at the end of season 6? Whatever was happening around her Debbie just got on with the job.
For me she is the undisputed Queen of Fame!
