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Debra Messing

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Debra Messing
Messing at the Vanity Fair Party to kick off the 8th Annual Tribeca Film Festival in 2009
Born
Debra Lynn Messing

(1968-08-15) August 15, 1968 (age 56)
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Alma materBrandeis University (B.A.)
New York University (M.F.A.)
OccupationActress
Years active1994–present
Spouse
​
(m. 2000⁠–⁠2012)​
Children1

Debra Lynn Messing (born August 15, 1968) is an American actress. She is known for her television roles in Will & Grace, The Starter Wife and Smash.

Following her graduation from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, Messing had short-lived tenures on the Fox sitcom Ned & Stacey and the ABC sci-fi Prey. She rose to prominence in her role as Grace Adler on the NBC sitcom Will & Grace, earning both commercial and critical success throughout the series' eight season run. She also received critical acclaim for her work as Molly Kagan in the USA Network series The Starter Wife. She also played the lead role of Julia Houston in the musical-drama series Smash, before it was cancelled by NBC after two seasons.

Her film roles have included an unfaithful bride in Along Came Polly, followed by a more sympathetic role in The Wedding Date, and then Nothing like the Holidays. She has also voiced roles in several animated films such as Garfield and Open Season.

Throughout her career she has received a total of six Emmy nominations, winning one, eight Screen Actors Guild nominations, winning one, and eight Golden Globe nominations.

Early life

Messing was born in the Brooklyn borough of New York City,[1][2] the daughter of Sandra (née Simons), who has worked as a professional singer, banker, travel and real estate agent, and Brian Messing, a sales executive for a costume jewelry packaging manufacturer.[3] Messing is Jewish; she is a descendant of immigrants from Russia and Poland.[4][5][6] When Messing was three, she moved with her parents and her older brother, Brett, to East Greenwich, Rhode Island.[7]

During her high school years, she acted and sang in a number of high school productions at East Greenwich High School, including the starring roles in the musicals Annie and Grease. She took lessons in dance, singing, and acting. In 1986, she was Rhode Island's Junior Miss and competed in Mobile, Alabama in the America's Junior Miss scholarship program. While her parents encouraged her dream of becoming an actress, they also urged her to complete a liberal arts education before deciding on acting as a career. Following their advice, she attended Brandeis University; at her parent's request three-quarters of her courses were not theater-related.[2] During her junior year, she studied theater at the prestigious London-based British European Studio Group program, an experience that solidified her desire to act.

In 1990, after graduating summa cum laude from Brandeis University with a bachelor's degree in theater arts, Messing gained admission to the elite Graduate Acting Program at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts which accepts approximately fifteen new students annually. She earned a Master's Degree in Fine Arts after three years.[8]

Career

In 1993, Messing won fame for her acting in the pre-Broadway workshop production of Tony Kushner's play Angels in America: Perestroika.[1] Subsequently, she appeared in several episodes of the television series NYPD Blue during 1994 and 1995.

Messing at the Tribeca Film Festival Premiere of Whatever Works

In 1995, Messing made her film debut in Alfonso Arau's A Walk in the Clouds playing the unfaithful wife of main character Paul Sutton (Keanu Reeves). This exposure led the Fox network to make her the co-star of the television sitcom, Ned & Stacey. The series lasted for two seasons, from 1995 to 1997. Messing appeared as Jerry Seinfeld's date in two episodes of the series Seinfeld: "The Wait Out" in 1996 and "The Yada Yada" in 1997. Messing turned down a starring role in another television sitcom to appear in Donald Margulies's two-character play Collected Stories, which opened at the Off Broadway Manhattan Theater Club. She also co-starred in the Tom Arnold vehicle McHale's Navy in 1997.

In 1998, Messing played a lead role as the bio-anthropologist Sloan Parker on ABC's dramatic science fiction television series Prey. During this time her agent approached her with the pilot script for the television show Will & Grace. Messing was inclined to take some time off, but the script intrigued her, and she auditioned for the role of Grace Adler, beating out Nicollette Sheridan, who later guest-starred on the show as a romantic rival of Grace's. Will & Grace became a ratings success, and Messing became a star.[1]

In 2002, she was named one of the "50 Most Beautiful People in the World" by People Magazine. TV Guide picked her as its "Best Dressed Woman" in 2003. And Messing's trademark curls on Will & Grace won her five Crown Awards from voters at the celebrity hair site Super-Hair.Net between 2000 and 2008.

Messing was cast by director Woody Allen in a small role in his 2002 film Hollywood Ending. Her film roles since include a happily married but ill-fated wife in the supernatural thriller The Mothman Prophecies (2002) and a supporting role as the unfaithful bride in Along Came Polly (2004). The Wedding Date (2005) was Messing's first leading role in a high-profile film. It received mixed reviews but performed fairly well at the box office. Messing was featured as a judge on the season finale of the second season of Bravo's reality show, Project Runway. Also in 2005, along with Megan Mullally, she was awarded the Women in Film Lucy Award in recognition of her excellence and innovation in her creative works that have enhanced the perception of women through the medium of television[9]

She also starred in the 2007 television mini-series The Starter Wife, which was nominated for ten Emmy awards including one for Messing for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie. In 2008, Messing reprised her role as Molly Kagan in the television series The Starter Wife, consisting of 10 episodes.[10] In early 2010, Messing starred in the ABC comedy pilot Wright vs. Wrong for the 2010-2011 primetime season but the pilot was not picked up by ABC.[11]

In 2011, Messing was ranked No. 22 on the TV Guide Network special, Funniest Women on TV.[12] In early 2011, it was announced that Messing would star in a new NBC musical pilot called Smash for the 2011–2012 primetime season.[13] In May 2011, it was reported that NBC picked up the show as a series for the 2011-2012 season.[14] The show premiered on February 6, 2012. The show was later renewed for a second season. After two seasons, it was cancelled.[15]

Messing will next star alongside Green Day singer Billie Joe Armstrong and Leighton Meester in Frank Whaley's film Like Sunday, Like Rain, which began filming in September 2013.[16][17] She made her Broadway debut in the new John Patrick Shanley play alongside Tony winner Brían F. O'Byrne, produced by the Manhattan Theatre Club, Outside Mullingar which began previews at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre on January 3, 2014.[18] Outside Mullingar is nominated for Best Play for the 2014 Tony Awards.

Personal life

Messing met her now ex-husband, Daniel Zelman, an actor and screenwriter, on their first day as graduate students at NYU in 1990. They were married on September 3, 2000, and lived in New York City. On April 7, 2004, Messing gave birth to their son, Roman Walker Zelman.[19] In December 2011 she and her husband separated after eleven years of marriage.[20] Messing filed for divorce on June 5, 2012.[21] As of 2012, she is dating her Smash costar Will Chase.[22]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
1995 A Walk in the Clouds Betty Sutton
1997 McHale's Navy Lt. Penelope Carter
1998 Celebrity TV reporter
1999 Jesus Mary Magdalene
2002 The Mothman Prophecies Mary Klein
Hollywood Ending Lori
2004 Along Came Polly Lisa Kramer
Garfield Arlene Voice only
2005 The Wedding Date Kat Ellis
2006 Open Season Beth Voice only
2007 Purple Violets Kate Scott
Lucky You Suzanne Offer
2008 The Women Edie Cohen
Nothing like the Holidays Sarah Rodriguez
2014 Like Sunday, Like Rain TBA Post-production

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1994–95 NYPD Blue Dana Abandando 3 episodes
1995 Partners Stacey 1 episode
1995–97 Ned and Stacey Stacey Colbert 47 episodes
1996–97 Seinfeld Beth Lookner 2 episodes
1998 Prey Dr. Sloan Parker 13 episodes
1998–2006 Will & Grace Grace Adler 187 episodes
2002 King of the Hill Mrs. Hilgren-Bronson 1 episode
2007–08 The Starter Wife Molly Kagan 10 episodes
2011 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Alicia Harding 1 episode
2012–13 Smash Julia Houston 32 episodes
2012 Project Runway (Season 10) Herself Episode: "I Get a Kick Out of Fashion"
Guest judge
2014 The Mysteries of Laura Detective Laura Diamond pre-production

Awards and nominations

Year Award Category Work Result
2000 American Comedy Award Best Female Performer in a TV Series Will & Grace Nominated
Emmy Award Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series Nominated
Golden Globe Award Best Actress in a TV Series – Comedy or Musical Nominated
Viewers for Quality Television Award Best Actress in a Comedy Series Nominated
2001 American Comedy Award Best Female Performer in a TV Series Nominated
Emmy Award Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series Nominated
Golden Globe Award Best Actress in a TV Series – Comedy or Musical Nominated
Screen Actors Guild Award Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series Won
Screen Actors Guild Award Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series Nominated
Teen Choice Award Choice TV Actress Nominated
TV Guide Award Actress of the Year in a Comedy Series Won
2002 Emmy Award Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series Nominated
Golden Globe Award Best Actress in a TV Series – Comedy or Musical Nominated
Satellite Award Best Actress in a TV Series – Comedy or Musical Won
Screen Actors Guild Award Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series Nominated
Teen Choice Award Choice TV Actress Nominated
2003 Emmy Award Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series Won
Golden Globe Award Best Actress in a TV Series – Comedy or Musical Nominated
Satellite Award Best Actress in a TV Series – Comedy or Musical Won
Screen Actors Guild Award Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series Nominated
2004 Golden Globe Award Best Actress in a TV Series – Comedy or Musical Nominated
Satellite Award Best Actress in a TV Series – Comedy or Musical Nominated
Screen Actors Guild Award Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series Nominated
Screen Actors Guild Award Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series Nominated
2005 Golden Globe Award Best Actress in a TV Series – Comedy or Musical Nominated
People's Choice Award Best Female TV Star Nominated
People's Choice Award Best Female Comedic Star Nominated
Screen Actors Guild Award Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series Nominated
2006 Emmy Award Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series Nominated
Teen Choice Award Choice TV Actress Nominated
2007 Emmy Award Outstanding Lead Actress in a Mini Series or TV Movie The Starter Wife Nominated
Satellite Award Best Actress in a Mini Series or TV Movie Nominated
2008 Golden Globe Award Best Actress in a Mini Series or TV Movie Nominated
Gracie Allen Award Outstanding Female Lead in a Mini Series Won
Satellite Award Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical Nothing like the Holidays Nominated
Screen Actors Guild Award Outstanding Female Actor in a Mini Series or TV Movie The Starter Wife Nominated
2009 Golden Globe Award Best Actress in a TV Series – Comedy or Musical Nominated
Golden Raspberry Award Worst Actress The Women Nominated

References

  1. ^ a b c Stated in interview on Inside the Actors Studio
  2. ^ a b Ouzounian, Richard (2012-03-09). "Debra Messing in Smash". The Toronto Star. Retrieved 9 March 2012.
  3. ^ "Debra Messing Biography (1968-)". Filmreference.com. Retrieved 2010-04-07.
  4. ^ "American Jewish Life Magazine". Atlantajewish.com. Retrieved 2010-04-07.
  5. ^ Pfefferman, Naomi (2002-05-02). "JewishJournal.com". JewishJournal.com. Retrieved 2010-04-07.
  6. ^ "Debra Messing: Actress - Most Beautiful, Debra Messing". People.com. 2002-05-13. Retrieved 2010-04-07.
  7. ^ Williams, Jeannie (2002-05-03). "Debra Messing yells 'Hooray!' for 'Hollywood'". USA Today. Retrieved 2007-12-09. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  8. ^ "NYU Graduate Acting Alumni". 2011. Retrieved 2011-12-01.
  9. ^ "Past Recipients". Wif.org. Retrieved 2013-02-20.
  10. ^ [1][dead link]
  11. ^ "Wright vs. Wrong". 2009-04-20. Retrieved 2009-05-24. Wright vs. Wrong
  12. ^ "Funniest Women on TV". July 3, 2011. TV Guide Network. {{cite episode}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameters: |began=, |episodelink=, |city=, |serieslink=, |transcripturl=, |ended=, and |seriesno= (help); Missing or empty |series= (help)
  13. ^ "Debra Messing to Headline NBC's Musical Pilot - Today's News: Our Take". TVGuide.com. 2011-02-07. Retrieved 2013-02-20.
  14. ^ Andreeva, Nellie. "May 11, 2011: "NBC Picks Up Whitney Cummings & Emily Spivey Pilots, 'Smash' & 'Prime Suspect'"". Deadline.com. Retrieved 2013-02-20.
  15. ^ "It's Curtains: NBC Officially Cancels Smash". TVline. May 10, 2013. Retrieved September 8, 2013.
  16. ^ Yamato, Jen (September 19, 2013). "Leighton Meester, Billie Joe Armstrong, Debra Messing To Star In Frank Whaley's 'Like Sunday, Like Rain'". Deadline.com. PMC. Retrieved September 18, 2013. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  17. ^ Christine (September 17, 2013). "Leighton Meester filming 'Like Sunday, Like Rain' in New York City". On Location Vacations. Retrieved September 19, 2013.
  18. ^ Voss, Brandon. "Gracing Broadway — Debra Messing Returns to the Stage in MTC's 'Outside Mullingar'" playbill.com, January 4, 2014
  19. ^ "The Debra Messing Picture Pages". Superiorpics.com. Retrieved 2010-04-07.
  20. ^ "The Finished Wife: Debra Messing and Husband Sepereate".
  21. ^ Dahvi Shira (2012-06-05). "Debra Messing Files for Divorce". People.
  22. ^ Debra Messing's New Man Meets Her Parents, People magazine, January 27, 2012
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