The 10 Most Stylish Throwback Photos of Debbie Allen and Her Husband Norm Nixon from the '80s and '90s

Mar. 15, 2025

Norm Nixon and Debbie Allen in 1983.Photo:Joan Adlen/Getty

Joan Adlen/Getty

Debbie Allen and Norm Nixon’s love story dates back more than four decades.The award-winning actress and dancer and wed the former NBA player on April 27, 1984 and later welcomed two children together, Vivian and Norman Jr. (along with Norm’s sonDeVaughn Nixon.)Now, 40 years in, their marriage has stood the test of time in part, Allen says, due to their shared interests.“I think our relationship has always been born on friendship and commonality in terms of things that we both like,”she told PEOPLE. “[We like] to read books. We both like to go to the movies. We both like to travel. We both love our children.”And despite having “hit some rocks and hit some walls,” their bond is still going strong.In celebration of their decades of love, here’s a look back at some of their best throwback photos.

Debbie Allen and Norm Nixon’s love story dates back more than four decades.

The award-winning actress and dancer and wed the former NBA player on April 27, 1984 and later welcomed two children together, Vivian and Norman Jr. (along with Norm’s sonDeVaughn Nixon.)

Now, 40 years in, their marriage has stood the test of time in part, Allen says, due to their shared interests.

“I think our relationship has always been born on friendship and commonality in terms of things that we both like,”she told PEOPLE. “[We like] to read books. We both like to go to the movies. We both like to travel. We both love our children.”

And despite having “hit some rocks and hit some walls,” their bond is still going strong.

In celebration of their decades of love, here’s a look back at some of their best throwback photos.

01of 10Lasting LoveDebbie Allen and Norm Nixon in 2001.Kevin Winter/GettyAllen wore a light pink suit paired with a matching hat while Nixon opted for a suit of his own at the Genii Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in 2001.

01of 10

Lasting Love

Debbie Allen and Norm Nixon in 2001.Kevin Winter/Getty

Kevin Winter/Getty

Allen wore a light pink suit paired with a matching hat while Nixon opted for a suit of his own at the Genii Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in 2001.

02of 10Picture PerfectBei/ShutterstockIn this undated photo, the parents of three are all dressed up as they pose with their arms around one another.

02of 10

Picture Perfect

Bei/Shutterstock

In this undated photo, the parents of three are all dressed up as they pose with their arms around one another.

03of 10Too CoolDebbie Allen and Norm Nixon in 1989.Bei/ShutterstockNot long after becoming a family of five, Allen and Nixon stepped out for the premiere ofADry White Seasonin L.A. in 1989.

03of 10

Too Cool

Debbie Allen and Norm Nixon in 1989.Bei/Shutterstock

Not long after becoming a family of five, Allen and Nixon stepped out for the premiere ofADry White Seasonin L.A. in 1989.

04of 10Going GreenDebbie Allen and Norm Nixon in 1995.Barry King/Liaison/GettyStunning in an emerald green off-the-shoulder gown, Allen arrived hand-in-hand with Nixon for the Academy Awards in 1995.

04of 10

Going Green

Debbie Allen and Norm Nixon in 1995.Barry King/Liaison/Getty

Barry King/Liaison/Getty

Stunning in an emerald green off-the-shoulder gown, Allen arrived hand-in-hand with Nixon for the Academy Awards in 1995.

05of 10Of the ‘90sDebbie Allen and Norm Nixon in 1992.Vinnie Zuffante/GettyAllen’s red and white striped hat screamed ’90s style at the 1992 premiere ofAlien 3in L.A.

05of 10

Of the ’90s

Debbie Allen and Norm Nixon in 1992.Vinnie Zuffante/Getty

Vinnie Zuffante/Getty

Allen’s red and white striped hat screamed ’90s style at the 1992 premiere ofAlien 3in L.A.

06of 10Sweet SmilesNorm Nixon and Debbie Allen in 1997.Barry King/Liaison/GettyThe couple was all smiles at a press party for Fox as the network announced the fall lineup in 1997.

06of 10

Sweet Smiles

Norm Nixon and Debbie Allen in 1997.Barry King/Liaison/Getty

The couple was all smiles at a press party for Fox as the network announced the fall lineup in 1997.

07of 10

Coordinated Looks

Debbie Allen and Norm Nixon in 1998.Fairchild Archive/Penske Media via Getty

Fairchild Archive/Penske Media via Getty

08of 10Bring It InNorm Nixon and Debbie Allen in the early 1990s.Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagicForThe Josephine Baker Storypremiere in the early 1990s, Allen sported a black hat while the former basketball player threw on a snazzy trench coat.

08of 10

Bring It In

Norm Nixon and Debbie Allen in the early 1990s.Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

ForThe Josephine Baker Storypremiere in the early 1990s, Allen sported a black hat while the former basketball player threw on a snazzy trench coat.

09of 10Fur RealNorm Nixon and Debbie Allen in 1997.David Keeler/Online USA, Inc./GettyAllen opted for a two-toned fur coat and gold earrings while Nixon went with a tux for the 1997 premiere ofAmistad.

09of 10

Fur Real

Norm Nixon and Debbie Allen in 1997.David Keeler/Online USA, Inc./Getty

David Keeler/Online USA, Inc./Getty

Allen opted for a two-toned fur coat and gold earrings while Nixon went with a tux for the 1997 premiere ofAmistad.

10of 10Young LoveNorm Nixon and Debbie Allen in 1983.Joan Adlen/GettyBefore the two said “I do” Allen and Nixon, who at the time was still in the NBA, attended the 35th annual Primetime Emmy Awards in 1983.

10of 10

Young Love

Norm Nixon and Debbie Allen in 1983.Joan Adlen/Getty

Before the two said “I do” Allen and Nixon, who at the time was still in the NBA, attended the 35th annual Primetime Emmy Awards in 1983.

source: people.com