Debra Messing

Debra Lynn Messing was born on August 15, 1968, in Brooklyn, New York. She is the daughter of Sandra, a professional singer, banker, travel and real estate agent, and Brian Messing, a sales executive for a costume jewelry packaging manufacturer. Raised in a culturally Jewish and performing arts-oriented family, her parents encouraged her artistic interests.

On September 21, 1998, Will & Grace premiered on television, a show that would soon become iconic in American pop culture. Debra Messing played the role of Grace Adler, an interior designer who shares a New York apartment with her gay best friend, Will. The show was praised for its humorous portrayal of gay characters and became a landmark in LGBTQ representation on television, winning numerous awards.

On January 23, 2005, Debra Messing won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy for her role in Will & Grace. This accolade was a recognition of her outstanding performance and contribution to the critically acclaimed sitcom, further establishing her as a leading figure in television comedy during the early 2000s.

The Starter Wife, a television series starring Debra Messing, premiered on September 28, 2008. Adapted from the miniseries of the same name, the show continued the story of Molly Kagan, played by Messing, who must navigate life after divorce in Hollywood. Although the series only lasted one season, Messing's performance was praised and she was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie.

Debra Messing joined the cast of Smash, a musical-drama television series aired on NBC, which premiered on March 1, 2011. Messing played Julia Houston, a successful but stressed-out playwright attempting to create a new Broadway musical. The show gained a cult following for its behind-the-scenes look at Broadway productions and featured musical numbers in each episode, becoming one of Messing's notable TV appearances after Will & Grace.

In December 2012, Debra Messing officially divorced Daniel Zelman, after eleven years of marriage. The couple, who met while attending New York University, had separated the previous year but continued to live together for the sake of their son, Roman. Despite their personal differences, they remained committed to co-parenting and maintaining a supportive relationship as they navigated their new realities post-divorce.

On September 17, 2014, Debra Messing returned to network television as the lead in The Mysteries of Laura, a police procedural comedy-drama. She played Laura Diamond, a brilliant but overworked and disorganized homicide detective struggling to balance her professional life with her duties as a single mother of rambunctious twin boys. The show ran for two seasons on NBC, adding another significant role to Messing's television career.

The much-anticipated revival of Will & Grace premiered on September 28, 2017. Debra Messing reprised her role as Grace Adler in a continuation of the beloved sitcom, alongside Eric McCormack, Megan Mullally, and Sean Hayes. The revival addressed modern-day issues while retaining the humor and charm that made the original series a hit. Messing received praise for her reprisal and the show was renewed for additional seasons due to its popularity.

On April 23, 2020, the Will & Grace revival series concluded its run with an emotional finale. Messing's character Grace Adler had been a central figure in the series' exploration of friendship and family. The show was lauded for its cultural relevance and ability to adapt to changing social attitudes while maintaining its comedic essence. Fans celebrated the revival as a worthy continuation of the original series' legacy.

On June 12, 2021, Debra Messing participated in the annual Pride Parade and lent her voice in support of LGBTQ rights. A long-time advocate, Messing used her platform to highlight ongoing issues facing the LGBTQ community, including discrimination and the need for comprehensive equality legislation. Her advocacy work was praised for raising awareness and fostering acceptance, aligning with her public persona as an ally and activist.

On May 9, 2023, Debra Messing launched a podcast in collaboration with other female celebrities, focusing on themes of empowerment, personal growth, and storytelling. The podcast aimed to create a platform where women can share experiences and insights, contributing to broader discussions on gender equality and self-expression. Messing's involvement as a co-creator and host highlighted her commitment to using media for positive influence and community building.