He Calls Debbie Allen His Auntie Ask Jared who he considers to be the most influential performer or creative in his life, and he'll tell you his auntie Debbie Allen. Looking back their 15-plus year friendship, Jared told Broadway.com that he'll never be able to "thank her enough" for being his mentor and supporter over the years. The two have worked on numerous projects together, the most popular being the musical Twist, which Allen directed in 2010.