Allee Willis was a visionary, a boundary-breaking artist whose vibrant personality and style were as bold as her songwriting. With her unforgettable look—think a riot of colors, mismatched prints, and her iconic asymmetrical haircut—Allee lived with a flair that was impossible to ignore. Her real-life Pee-wee’s Playhouse became famous for its eccentricity, and her parties were just as legendary, reflecting her zest for life. Yet, behind this exuberant exterior, Allee was navigating her own journey of self-acceptance in a world with rigid norms around gender and sexuality.
Allee poured herself into her work, finding refuge and purpose in creativity. Her talent and dedication yielded timeless hits that have become part of music history, from “September” and “Boogie Wonderland” by Earth, Wind & Fire to Pet Shop Boys’ “What Have I Done to Deserve This?” Her extraordinary career also earned her two Grammy Awards for Beverly Hills Cop and The Color Purple, an Emmy nomination for “I’ll Be There for You” (the iconic Friends theme song), and a place in the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2018. Across decades, Allee’s compositions sold over 60 million records, and her impact on pop culture and music is undeniable.
Now, a new film captures Allee’s extraordinary life and career, fulfilling her desire for her “final art piece to be someone putting together the trail I have left behind.” The film includes insights from friends and collaborators who knew Allee best, with appearances by Mark Cuban, Cyndi Lauper, Lily Tomlin, Paul Reubens, Michael Patrick King, Patti LaBelle, Pet Shop Boys, Pamela Adlon, Paul Feig, and Mark Mothersbaugh. Directed by Alexis Spraic, this documentary offers a vivid exploration of Allee’s life, creativity, and the journey toward embracing her true self.
With Allee’s archives and countless hours of personal footage dating back to her beginnings in 1950s Detroit, this film not only celebrates her unforgettable music but also the legacy of a woman who lived by her own rules, transforming her struggles and passions into masterpieces of pop culture.
The film will premiere in theaters starting November 15, with a nationwide one-night-only screening on November 19, and will be available on digital platforms beginning November 22. For more information, visit alleewillisdoc.com.
