Grey’s Anatomy’s Ellen Pompeo, Jesse Williams Wish Debbie Allen Happy Birthday

Debbie Allen, who shot to fame (pun intended!) after appearing in both the film and TV series Fame, is celebrating a milestone birthday today. And her friends and colleagues from Grey’s Anatomy, where she serves as co-star, director, and executive producer are stepping up to wish her the very best.

Debbie Allen Turns 70

A native of Houston, Texas, Allen spent part of her childhood in Mexico, but returned to the States and graduated from Jack Yates Senior High School in Houston in 1967. She went on to graduate from Howard University with a BFA. In addition to her appearances on Fame, Allen produced and directed The Cosby Show spinoff A Different World.

Allen won a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Comedy or Musical for Fame in 1982 for her role as teacher Lydia Grant. Allen’s sister is Phylicia Rashad best known as Clair Huxtable on The Cosby Show, who also had two stints in the 1980s in daytime — One Life to Live’s Courtney and Santa Barbara’s Felicia. She also currently recurs on the NBC hit, This Is Us.

“Happy birthday, @therealdebbieallen! Life is 70 times better because of you,” tweeted out Grey’s creator Shonda Rhimes. As regular viewers know, Allen plays Dr. Catherine Fox at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital.

Grey’s star Jessie Williams (Dr. Jackson Avery) chimed in with birthday wishes for his TV mom. “This woman has grabbed hold of the lives of so damn many of us, pulling upward and pushing forward,” Williams wrote. But he wasn’t done.

“Constantly teaching, supporting and carving space for our existence in positions to win. She is the embodiment of generosity and boldness in freedom, constantly demanding growth in you so you can demand the same of yourself and surroundings. My love and respect for this giant beautiful legend knows no bounds. A CERTIFIED G! Please show love and gratitude today and evermore, to our very own @therealdebbieallen”

Even More Birthday Love

Also, Grey’s lead actress Ellen Pompeo (Dr. Meredith Grey) posted on Instagram to her colleague. “One more in honor of her birthday today and one of my favorite videos because this is what she embodies…. this life lesson …not for just dance….nothing in life is easy,” Pompeo posted. “It’s all hard but be willing to work harder than anyone else and the results will come! This is why she is a national treasure and such an amazing example of women paving their own path thank you @therealdebbieallen for passing your passion and wisdom along.”

Entertainment Hub joins Allen’s family, friends, and fans in wishing the celebrated and accomplished Allen a happy 70th birthday and many happy returns! Grey’s Anatomy returns for the second half of its season on Thursday, January 23 at 9 PM.