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Grey’s Anatomy star and director Debbie Allen has worked with the show since the 2010s. Before making creative decisions for the ABC series as its executive producer, she directed several shows, including A Different World, Fame, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The multitalented star also launched the Debbie Allen Dance Academy in 2001. 

Allen’s sister, actor Phylicia Rashad, recently signed on to guest star on Grey’s Anatomy for season 17. In a recent interview, the choreographer opened up about what it was like to direct The Cosby Show alum.

Debbie Allen and Phylicia Rashad at The Music Center.
Debbie Allen Phylicia Rashad|Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images for The Music Center

Debbie Allen said the ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ cast gave Phylicia Rashad a ‘standing ovation’ 

Grey’s Anatomy returned to season 17 last year. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the series started filming later than expected. Since its Nov. premiere, the storylines on Grey’s centered around COVID and the frontline workers who helped navigate the virus. Allen came back to the show as a director and Dr. Richard Weber’s (James Pickens, Jr.) wife, Catherine Fox.

After its premiere, Grey’s took a hiatus in between the season. However, the show will return on March 11, 2021. Allen recently spoke to TVLine about what viewers can expect to see from the rest of season 17. She told the outlet that Rashad would appear in one episode of the series. Because of the, This Is Us actor’s “presence,” Allen said she received a “standing ovation” from the Grey’s Anatomy cast. However, the producer gave her sister another present to celebrate her scenes. 

“My sister Phylicia Rashad will appear in [Episode 12] and bring true power, fun, and grace in a role that touches a chord about the voice of the people,” Allen said. “Our cast and crew gave her a standing ovation in honor of her presence. I gave her a slice of cornbread.”

Will Debbie Allen and Phylicia Rashad act together on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’? 

Although she confirmed that her sister would be apart of Grey’s Anatomy’s latest season, fans of the famous siblings won’t see them on-screen when Rashad’s episode airs. TVLine reported that the 13 Reasons Why alum’s character and Allen don’t share any scenes. The Fame alum’s character and her husband are currently going through a separation. Rashad’s role in the series remains unclear. 

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While they won’t be in any scenes together, the sisters have appeared in a movie called The Old Settler in 2001, per IMDb. Additionally, the actors achieved success in their careers separately. However, Allen, who has a reported net worth of $3 million, and Rashad received recognition from Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. The center paid tribute to the siblings in 2018 with “A Tale of Two Sisters,” a performance about their upbringing and career paths, per Variety. 

“It means everything because that doesn’t happen,” Allen said of her and Rashad’s joint award. “It’s always one or the other. We’re always there for each other, but it’s so nice to be here together.”

Grey’s Anatomy airs on ABC at 8 pm EST. 

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