Debra Winger: More Than Just a Beauty
Fans everywhere dreamed of being Debra Winger when they watched the classic romance An Officer and a Gentleman. In the unforgettable scene, Naval Officer Zack Mayo, played by Richard Gere, sweeps factory worker Paula, played by Debra, off her feet and carries her away from her job. It was a moment that became the ultimate symbol of romance.
For fans who loved romance films, this scene became the perfect example of love and devotion. Richard Gere’s portrayal of Zack Mayo in his navy whites set the standard for heroes in romantic dramas, and fans couldn’t stop talking about how incredible Debra Winger looked. Many wished they were in her shoes, sharing that unforgettable moment with him.
But there was so much more to Debra Winger than just her stunning beauty. Even today, at 69 years old, Winger is still incredibly beautiful. In fact, she often shares pictures on Instagram, showing off her natural looks. She started with brown hair, and now her hair is wavy and gray. It’s clear that age hasn’t taken away from her beauty.
Winger’s Early Career
Debra Winger’s acting career began in the 1970s, and one of her first big roles was in the popular TV series Wonder Woman in 1979, where she played Drusilla, the younger sister of Diana Prince, who was Wonder Woman (played by Lynda Carter).
Even though she could have easily stayed in TV roles, Winger chose to step away after gaining more recognition. She didn’t want to be typecast and be known for only one thing, so she turned down more appearances on the show.
Her decision didn’t hurt her career at all. In fact, she went on to become one of the biggest stars of the 1980s. During that time, Winger was nominated for multiple Academy Awards and Golden Globe Awards for her roles in three classic films.
A Star in the 1980s
Winger’s breakthrough came in 1980, when she starred in Urban Cowboy alongside John Travolta, who was at the height of his fame after Saturday Night Fever (1977) and Grease (1978). She also starred in An Officer and a Gentleman in 1982, where she played Paula, the love interest of Richard Gere’s character.
And in Terms of Endearment (1983), she portrayed Emma, a young woman battling a terminal illness while dealing with her overbearing mother, played by Shirley MacLaine.
These three roles earned Winger praise from critics and fans alike. She quickly became one of the most sought-after actresses in Hollywood. But, just as her career was skyrocketing, Winger made a surprising decision to take a break from acting.
The Break and the Rumors
Almost forty years after she became famous, rumors about why Winger stepped away from Hollywood still circulate. Many people believe her decision had to do with conflicts on set, particularly with her co-stars.
It’s been widely claimed that Winger had trouble working with Richard Gere. According to Louis Gossett Jr., who played Sgt. Emil Foley in An Officer and a Gentleman, there was great chemistry between the two characters on-screen. But off-screen, things were very different.
Gossett wrote in his book An Actor and a Gentleman, “The onscreen chemistry between the two of them was terrific, but it was a different story once the camera was turned off. They couldn’t have remained more far from one another.”
Winger herself admitted that she didn’t think much of Gere’s acting, calling him “a brick wall.” She also had problems with the film’s director, Taylor Hackford, calling him “an animal,” even though she didn’t like him.
But it wasn’t just Gere who caused tension. Winger also had conflicts with Shirley MacLaine, who played her mother in Terms of Endearment. MacLaine, who was known for being a glamorous veteran in Hollywood, didn’t get along with Winger, who was more of a free spirit.
Their first meeting was described by MacLaine herself, who said, “I was wearing all my leftover movie-star fur coats to see how my character would feel. Debra was wearing a miniskirt and combat boots. Oh my goodness,” MacLaine recalled.
Things between the two didn’t improve on set. When both women were nominated for Best Actress at the Academy Awards, the tension reached its peak. In her acceptance speech, MacLaine boldly declared, “I deserve this!” as she accepted her Oscar.
Why Winger Stepped Away
Despite the rumors and the tension on set, Winger has said that she stepped away from acting for personal reasons. She wasn’t interested in playing the same roles anymore. “I wasn’t interested in the upcoming parts. I had either already felt that or had already done it. I required a challenge,” Winger explained in an interview with People. “I threw myself into it wholeheartedly because my life challenged me more than its components.”
After Forget Paris (1995), in which she starred alongside Billy Crystal, Winger took a six-year break from acting. During this time, she moved to New York City and focused on her personal life, particularly her relationship with actor Arliss Howard.
The two married in 1996, and Winger became the stepmother to Howard’s son, Sam, from a previous marriage. In 1997, they had a son together, Gideon Babe. Winger also had a son, Noah Hutton, with her first husband, actor Timothy Hutton.
A Return to Acting
In 2002, Winger’s husband Arliss Howard directed and produced the film Big Bad Love, in which she starred alongside Rosanna Arquette. Afterward, Winger’s acting career picked up momentum once again. She appeared in The Lovers (2017), a romantic comedy, Kajillionaire (2020), a quirky crime-comedy, and Rachel Getting Married (2008), where she starred opposite Anne Hathaway.
In 2021, Winger appeared in the segment Her Own of With/In, a drama film, where her husband also starred and wrote the segment.
Despite her comeback, Winger’s attitude toward Hollywood has shifted. “I have no idea what Hollywood is,” she said. “Now that I’m living under the freaking sign, I just chuckle while staring at it. Los Angeles is a place, but the idea of Hollywood doesn’t really exist for me.”
What’s Next for Debra Winger?
We can only hope that Debra Winger will soon win an Academy Award. She’s been part of so many amazing films and has shown her incredible talent time and time again. Hollywood is simply incomplete without her.
What do you think of Debra Winger’s story? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
