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Debbie Allen of 'Grey's Anatomy' & Sister Phylicia Rashad Look Stunning in Elegant Dresses on the Red Carpet

Mary Scott
Oct 10, 2019
09:40 P.M.

Debbie Allen and Phylicia Rashad proved they’ve still got it over the weekend when they walked the red carpet in elegant dresses befitting their status as Hollywood icons.

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The "Grey’s Anatomy" star and "Cosby Show" alum stepped out last Saturday to support Tyler Perry at the grand opening gala of his Atlanta studios.

Allen stunned in a floor-length black dress with sheer sleeves and a low-cut neckline that showed off some cleavage. The legendary choreographer also accessorized with a silver clutch and matching jewelry.

Debbie Allen at the 2nd Annual National Arts Foundation New York Gala on Apr. 20, 2017 in New York City | Photo: Getty Images

Debbie Allen at the 2nd Annual National Arts Foundation New York Gala on Apr. 20, 2017 in New York City | Photo: Getty Images

Big sister Rashad, on the other hand, looked regal in a flowing burgundy kaftan and matching wrap. A single necklace strand, earrings, braids, and light makeup completed the screen legend’s look.

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In one photo taken before they headed out, Allen posed with Rashad, her son Norman Nixon jr., and filmmaker Ava DuVernay, announcing via Instagram that they were going "to the Inauguration of @tylerperry Studios!"

Rashad, 71, and Allen, 69, were present at the star-studded event as two legends of the Arts that continue to inspire many.

Debbie Allen & Phylicia Rashad at Tyler Perry Studios grand opening gala on Oct. 05, 2019 in Georgia | Photo: Getty Images

Debbie Allen & Phylicia Rashad at Tyler Perry Studios grand opening gala on Oct. 05, 2019 in Georgia | Photo: Getty Images

AN ICONIC DUO

The sisters grew up in segregated America, born to a theater-loving dentist dad, Andrew Allen, and a Pulitzer Prize-nominated mom, poet Vivian Ayers, Town&Country notes. Allen and Rashad’s love for the arts seemed inevitable, and thanks to their parents’ support, the sky was only their starting point.

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(L-R) Debbie Allen, Vivian Ayers & Phylicia Rashad at the Broadway Opening Night of 'Saint Joan' on April 25, 2018 in New York City | Photo: Getty Images

(L-R) Debbie Allen, Vivian Ayers & Phylicia Rashad at the Broadway Opening Night of 'Saint Joan' on April 25, 2018 in New York City | Photo: Getty Images

HISTORY MAKERS

Today, Allen is an actress, director, producer, and choreographer who established the Debbie Allen Dance Academy in 2001 while her sister, also a multi-hyphenate, excels at acting, singing, and directing.

Allen and Rashad are also icons who have woven themselves into the fabric of history. The "Fame" alum is the first African American woman to win a Golden Globe for best actress in a television comedy or musical, while Rashad, who recently starred on FOX’s "Empire," is the first African American woman to win a Best Actress Tony Award.

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Debbie Allen & Phylicia Rashad at the after party for the opening of "Cat On A Hot Tin Roof" Strata on Mar. 6, 2008 in New York City | Photo: Getty Images

Debbie Allen & Phylicia Rashad at the after party for the opening of "Cat On A Hot Tin Roof" Strata on Mar. 6, 2008 in New York City | Photo: Getty Images

BUILDING THE INDUSTRY

Breaking records is not enough. Now, Allen and Rashad continue to inspire the next generation of artists, among who are their biological children.

Rashad’s daughter, Condola, is a four-time Tony Award nominee who also appears in the TV series "Billions." Allen’s daughter, Vivian, is an actress and dancer while her son Norm Jr., is a producer, comedian, artist, and DJ.

Debbie Allen & Phylicia Rashad at The Music Center's 50th Anniversary Spectacular on Dec. 6, 2014 in California | Photo: Getty Images

Debbie Allen & Phylicia Rashad at The Music Center's 50th Anniversary Spectacular on Dec. 6, 2014 in California | Photo: Getty Images

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SISTERS IN MOTION

If you think these iconic sisters are resting on their laurels, however, think again. During a tribute concert organized for the duo last year, Allen made it clear they’ve only just begun.

Per The Hollywood Reporter, she said:

"This tale of two sisters after tonight, I have to say is still in the making… It has been such an inspiration to look back but as we look back, we’ve always learned we look forward."

(L-R) Phylicia Rashad, Andrew Arthur Allen Jr., Vivian Ayers Allen & Debbie Allen at "A Tale of Two Sisters" on May 7, 2018 in California | Photo: Getty Images

(L-R) Phylicia Rashad, Andrew Arthur Allen Jr., Vivian Ayers Allen & Debbie Allen at "A Tale of Two Sisters" on May 7, 2018 in California | Photo: Getty Images

"So we know there’s a lot of work yet to be done," Allen added. "There’s a lot of inspiration, but there’s a lot of work."

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