Join or Sign In

Continue with Facebook Continue with email

By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy.

Debra Winger Biography

Birth Name:Mary Debra Winger

Birth Place:Cleveland Heights, Ohio, United States

Profession Actress, Soundtrack, Producer

Fast Facts

Known for her support of Hand in Hand schools in the Middle East who strive for the reconciliation between Arabs and Jews in Israel
Suffered a car accident in her youth that left her paralyzed and blind for 10 months, during the recovery of which she decided that if she was ever able to walk and see again, she would move to Hollywood and pursue her dream of becoming an actress
Upon growing tired of the acting industry, she would go on to pursue other efforts that included stage work as well as teaching at Harvard University
After numerous supporting roles in small films, she would gain widespread recognition after starring in 1980's "Urban Cowboy" alongside John Travolta
Often known for being difficult to work with and having numerous demands while on set
Turned down Geena Davis's role in "A League of Their Own" for her refusal to work with singer Madonna

Awards

1980NYFCC Award-Best Supporting Actress: nominated
1981BAFTA Film Award-Most Outstanding Newcomer to Leading Film Roles: nominated
1981Golden Globe-New Star of the Year in a Motion Picture - Female: nominated
1981Golden Globe-Best Actress in a Supporting Role - Motion Picture: nominated
1981NSFC Award-Best Supporting Actress: nominated
1983Oscar-Best Actress in a Leading Role: nominated
1983Golden Globe-Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama: nominated
1983NYFCC Award-Best Actress: nominated
1984Oscar-Best Actress in a Leading Role: nominated
1984David-Best Foreign Actress (Migliore Attrice Straniera): nominated
1984Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama: nominated
1984NSFC Award-Best Actress: winner
1985Jupiter Award-Best International Actress: nominated
1987Jupiter Award-Best International Actress: nominated
1988Jupiter Award-Best International Actress: nominated
1991NSFC Award-Best Actress: nominated
1993LAFCA Award-Best Actress: nominated
1994Oscar-Best Actress in a Leading Role: nominated
1994BAFTA Film Award-Best Actress: nominated
1994CFCA Award-Best Actress: nominated
1994Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama: nominated
1994Best Actress Award-: winner
2005Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie: nominated
2008Gotham Independent Film Award-Best Ensemble Performance: nominated
2008NYFCC Award-Best Supporting Actress: nominated
2009Movies for Grownups Award-Best Supporting Actress: nominated
2009Critics Choice Award-Best Acting Ensemble: nominated
2009Independent Spirit Award-Best Supporting Female: nominated
2009Gold Derby Film Award-Ensemble Cast: nominated
2010OFTA Television Award-Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series: nominated
2011WIN Award-Actress Drama Series: nominated
2021Chlotrudis Award-Best Supporting Actress: nominated