Michael Cerveris Talks about Debbie Allen

Michael Cerveris Talks about Debbie Allen:

"Right here is where you start paying: an appreciation of Debbie Allen

For a lot of people, Debbie Allen was the face of Fame..and with good reason. Her demanding-but-loving-diva of a dance instructor was at the core of the film and the series it spawned. And there was very little daylight between Ms Grant and Ms Allen. She was every bit as rigorous and supportive a performer and director as you would imagine watching her on the show. One of my first days on set was 'dancing' in a number with her on the streets of lower Manhatttan, and it was as daunting and exhilarating as you'd expect. The perfectionism she dedicated to her own work inspired the same in all of us around her, and getting a 'good job' nod from her, or a laugh, was a prize anytime it came. And the laughs, especially, came often.

Looking back, I'm certain there was a lot I missed about the struggles and obstacles she faced as a black woman in 80s television. My obliviousness to my own privilege back then is largely to blame, but it may also have been because Debbie seemed so unlikely to tolerate any obstacle. Still, I'm sure her success as an actor, dancer, choreographer and director came with a lot of sacrifice. Rehearsals with her and choreographer Jaime Rogers were full on and you had to be always on your game. And her episodes as director were some of the most efficient and skillfully planned days we had--especially impressive because her prep weeks were spent working as an actor and dancer with the rest of us, too. Knowing that she would have less control in the editing room, Debbie managed to shoot only the coverage she knew she needed so that it could only be assembled the way she wanted it to be. A risky move, but savvy, and indicative of the confidence she displayed always--maybe even when she didn't necessarily quite have it herself.

I feel lucky and grateful to have known and worked with Debbie--such a striking example of a strong, accomplished black woman in a position of power--early in my television career. And with so many BIPOC and strong female colleagues on that show. They helped inform and shape my ideas about who has a right to command respect and dignity in the workplace. That is to say, everyone. And I owe them a real debt that I'm dedicated to trying continually to better repay."

Fame Producer Michael McGreevey added:

"Debbie Allen was FAME. Looking back, I marvel at what she accomplished as an artist - actor, singer, dancer, choreographer and director. And she did it all as a black woman in the 1980’s. Talk about a pioneer. On top of all that, she still managed to remain the kind, loving person she’s always been."