Debbie Allen To Receive Governors Award From Television Academy

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA — Actress and dancer Debbie Allen will receive the 2021 Governors Award, the Television Academy announced Thursday. The award will honor her long list contributions to television, along with her philanthropic efforts to make the world a better place.

Allen, perhaps best known for her lead role on the TV series "Fame" which ran from 1982-1987, will receive her Emmy statue during the 73rd Emmys, set to be broadcast on September 19.

“Debbie Allen has been a creative voice for a generation of performers and storytellers and has left an indelible mark on the television industry,” said Governors Award selection committee Co-Chair Eva Basler. “Debbie's commitment to mentoring underserved communities has been nothing short of extraordinary. She has shared her gift and love of dance and choreography with countless aspiring performers across the globe,” added committee Co-Chair Debra Curtis.

"This has been an amazing year for me,” said Allen. “To be celebrated by the Television Academy is an overwhelming honor that humbles me and says to my community of dancing gypsies, actors, writers and musicians that if you stay passionate about your craft and do the work, you can go far."

Allen has choreographed the Academy Awards 10 times, and was selected by former President George W. Bush to serve as a Cultural Ambassador of Dance. She has also choreographed for artists such as Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Sammy Davis Jr. and many more.

For over 15 years, Allen has been an artist in residence at the Kennedy Center. In 2000, she opened the Debbie Allen Dance Academy, which services over 3,000 students with grants, scholarships, classes designed for cancer patients, abuse victims and more.

Previous Governors Award winners include Tyler Perry, William S. Paley, and "Star Trek."