Doctor Jackson Avery (Jesse Williams) has tried making a name for himself at Seattle Grace, while working in his grandfather’s omnipresent medical shadow. Now we’re going to learn a bit more about Avery’s family. According to EW.com, Grey’s Anatomy has cast Debbie Allen as Jackson’s mother, Catherine Avery. Reportedly, Allen–who has previously directed three episodes of the hit ABC drama–will appear in the fifth episode of the season. The new Grey’s Anatomy season premieres September 22.

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Days of our Lives has cast Cody Longo as Carly’s (Crystal Chappell) son Nicholas Alamain, according to TV Guide.  The role was previously portrayed onscreen by Victor Webster and Erik von Detten. In April DAYS fans heard the Nicholas' voice, but the character did not appear onscreen at that time.

Longo appeared on the big screen in 2009’s Fame, while Brothers & Sisters’ fans may recognize him from flashbacks as a young Tommy Walker on ABC. He has also starred in multiple episodes of ABC Family’s Make It or Break It. 

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Here’s another reason to tune in to ABC this fall. The ABC drama pilot Grace, starring Eric Roberts as choreographer Michael Grace and featuring Sherri Saum as one of his three daughters, has added another familiar name to its cast. According to Deadline, Fame star Debbie Allen has signed on in the recurring role as the mother of Saum’s character.

Now I know Jamey Giddens suggested Victoria Rowell for the role, but for some reason I seriously doubt he’s going to have a single problem with this casting.

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Unlike the 1980 original, this movie comes at a time when interracial romances, substance abuse, and “coming out” are no longer taboo subjects arching eyebrows and raising questions amongst filmgoers. Without the grit and moxie of its precursor, the film caters to High School Musical lovers, would-be American Idol contestants, and yes, artistic nerds.

This revamped version of the undying, moon-catching Fame still spans four years at a New York performing arts school and follows the experiences and friendships of several talented teenagers, each facing unique struggles such as simply letting loose in acting class or daring to go for a dream, even if it means disobeying Dad. While original sequences such as the exhilarating cafeteria dance jam remain intact, the film’s stories are fresh, albeit muted, portraits of challenges adolescent audiences can surely relate to. And though these conflicts reek of clichés worn ragged, you’ll forgive the unoriginality once you hear Denise (Naturi Naughton) sing her heart out or watch Alice (Kherington Payne) dance the Rockettes to shame – well, almost. READ MORE