The 1980s saw the rise of Debra Winger, a compelling presence in Hollywood whose talent quickly earned her three Academy Award nominations and solidified her as one of the era’s most respected actresses. Though she eventually stepped back from the spotlight, at 69, Winger continues to captivate with her enduring legacy and remarkable career.
Winger became widely recognized for her role as Paula in An Officer and a Gentleman, where her character, a factory worker, falls for Richard Gere’s Navy officer Zack Mayo. The iconic scene in which Gere lifts Winger from her workplace remains a classic in romantic cinema, showcasing the chemistry that made audiences swoon. Her early on-screen romances with Hollywood leading men made her a fan favorite.
Today, Winger embraces her natural beauty and evolving style, sharing glimpses of her life on Instagram and confidently transitioning from her signature brown hair to silver.
Her career began with a role in the 1976 film Sleep Party ’57 and included playing Drusilla, Wonder Woman’s younger sister, in the 1979 TV series Wonder Woman. She declined further appearances to avoid being typecast, a choice that allowed her to explore a wide range of roles throughout the 1980s.
This decade marked a golden period for Winger. She starred alongside John Travolta in Urban Cowboy (1980), played Paula in An Officer and a Gentleman (1982), and delivered a powerful performance as Emma, a terminally ill young woman, in Terms of Endearment (1983) alongside Shirley MacLaine. These roles earned her both Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations, cementing her status as a leading lady.
Despite her success, Winger took breaks from acting, fueling speculation about on-set conflicts. Her dynamic with Richard Gere during An Officer and a Gentleman drew attention, with co-star Louis Gossett Jr. describing their off-screen relationship as distant despite their on-screen chemistry. Similarly, tensions with Shirley MacLaine during Terms of Endearment were widely reported, including during awards season.
Winger has consistently clarified that her hiatuses were personal choices, driven by a desire for growth and meaningful challenges beyond Hollywood. After starring in Forget Paris (1995), she took a six-year break, moving to New York City, marrying actor Arliss Howard, and raising her children—including Noah Hutton from her first marriage to Timothy Hutton, and Gideon Babe with Howard.
She later returned to the screen in selective roles, including Rachel Getting Married (2008), The Lovers (2017), Kajillionaire (2020), and a segment in the anthology film With/In, Volume 2 (2021), directed and written by her husband. She also participated in Big Bad Love (2001), directed by Howard, and the documentary Searching for Debra Winger (2002), which explored her decision to step back at the peak of her career.
Reflecting on Hollywood, Winger has said she now views it with amusement, separating the idea of the industry from the city itself. She has found balance between her personal life and passion for acting, maintaining her charm, talent, and influence in the film world.
Debra Winger’s career is a testament to both resilience and artistry. From romantic leads to dramatic roles, her performances continue to inspire, leaving a lasting mark on cinema. What are your favorite Debra Winger films?
