Full Name: Debra Lynn Winger
Born: May 16, 1955 (Cleveland Heights, Ohio, USA)
Occupation: Actress, Producer
Years Active: 1976–present
Notable Awards: Three Academy Award Nominations, National Society of Film Critics Award
Early Life & Career Beginnings
Debra Winger was born in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. After graduating high school, she briefly lived in Israel, where she worked on a kibbutz. Upon returning to the U.S., she was in a serious car accident that left her temporarily blind. During her recovery, she decided to pursue acting.
Her early career included small TV roles, and she got her first break playing Drusilla (Wonder Girl) in the TV series Wonder Woman (1976–1977).
Breakthrough & Film Stardom
Winger rose to fame in the early 1980s with a series of critically acclaimed performances:
- Urban Cowboy (1980): Starred opposite John Travolta, gaining widespread recognition.
- An Officer and a Gentleman (1982): Played Paula opposite Richard Gere, earning her first Academy Award nomination.
- Terms of Endearment (1983): Co-starred with Shirley MacLaine in the Oscar-winning film, earning her second Academy Award nomination.
Continued Success & Semi-Retirement
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Winger took on diverse roles:
- Shadowlands (1993): Played Joy Gresham opposite Anthony Hopkins, earning her third Oscar nomination.
- The Sheltering Sky (1990) & Forget Paris (1995): Displayed her versatility in both drama and comedy.
Despite her success, Winger stepped away from Hollywood in the mid-1990s, citing industry frustrations and a desire to focus on other pursuits.
Return to Acting
Winger made a comeback in the 2000s with acclaimed roles in:
- Rachel Getting Married (2008) – Played Anne Hathaway’s mother.
- The Lovers (2017) – Starred in an indie romantic drama.
- TV: The Ranch (2016–2020) – Had a recurring role in the Netflix series.
Personal Life
Winger has been married to actor/director Arliss Howard since 1996, and they have a son together.
Legacy & Impact
Debra Winger is known for her intense, naturalistic performances and her strong-willed independence in Hollywood. Despite taking breaks from acting, she remains an influential figure in film and television.
