Debra Winger: From Hollywood’s Heights to a Private Life

The 1980s witnessed the rise of a captivating actress in Hollywood: Debra Winger. During her meteoric ascent, she garnered critical acclaim, including three Academy Award nominations, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the film industry. However, her star seemed to fade, leaving many wondering about her sudden departure from the limelight. Now, at 69, Debra Winger remains a compelling figure, her legacy continuing to intrigue and inspire.

Winger’s portrayal of Paula, the factory worker swept off her feet by Richard Gere’s Naval Officer Zack Mayo in “An Officer and a Gentleman,” resonated deeply with audiences. The iconic scene, where Gere carries Winger from her workplace, became a defining moment in romantic cinema, setting a new standard for love stories. “For daydreaming fans, the iconic scene from the romance drama An Officer and a Gentleman, in which Richard Gere portrayed the dashing hero in navy whites, Officer Zack Mayo, became the standard for love stories.” Many viewers envied Winger’s on-screen romances with some of Hollywood’s most desirable leading men.

Today, Debra Winger exudes a timeless beauty. She has shared glimpses of her life on Instagram, showcasing her natural grace as she embraces her evolving image, transitioning from her signature brown hair to a striking silver.

Before her breakthrough role in “An Officer and a Gentleman,” Winger’s career began with a part in the 1976 film “Sleep Party ’57.” She also played Drusilla, the younger sister of Lynda Carter’s Wonder Woman, in the popular 1979 television series “Wonder Woman.” Although offered more appearances, Winger declined, fearing typecasting. “Winger played Drusilla, the younger sister of Lynda Carter’s Diana Prince/Wonder Woman, in the popular TV series Wonder Woman (1979), after landing her first major role in the 1976 movie Sleep Party ’57. Winger was requested to make more appearances, but she rejected out of fear that the role would stereotype her.” This decision, she felt, allowed her to pursue a diverse range of roles in the burgeoning decade.

The early 1980s proved to be a golden era for Winger. She earned Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for her performances in three defining films. She starred alongside John Travolta in the 1980 hit “Urban Cowboy,” a film that capitalized on Travolta’s immense popularity following “Saturday Night Fever” and “Grease.” Her role as Paula in “An Officer and a Gentleman” (1982) cemented her status as a leading lady. In 1983, she delivered a powerful performance as Emma, a young woman facing a terminal illness, in “Terms of Endearment,” sharing the screen with Shirley MacLaine. “She starred in Urban Cowboy in 1980 with John Travolta, who at the time was making fans go crazy with his slick dancing in Saturday Night Fever (1977) and Grease (1988); she also played Paula in An Officer and a Gentleman (1982) and Emma, a dying young woman with an overbearing mother, Aurora (Shirley MacLaine), in Terms of Endearment (1983).”

Despite her success, Winger took a hiatus from acting, fueling speculation about her reasons for stepping away. Rumors swirled around alleged conflicts with co-stars, adding a layer of intrigue to her story. One of the most talked-about relationships was her dynamic with Richard Gere on the set of “An Officer and a Gentleman.” While their on-screen chemistry was undeniable, off-screen tensions seemed to exist. Louis Gossett Jr., who played Sgt. Emil Foley in the film, alluded to this in his book, “An Actor and a Gentleman,” noting, “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.” Gossett also recounted Winger’s critiques of Gere’s acting, claiming she once referred to him as “a brick wall.” “Co-star Louis Gossett Jr., who played Sgt. Emil Foley, wrote the following passage from his book An Actor and a Gentleman, which was featured on ABC News: ‘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.”

The relationship between Winger and Shirley MacLaine during the filming of “Terms of Endearment” also became the subject of gossip. Their contrasting personalities, both on and off-screen, reportedly led to friction. MacLaine described their first encounter in an interview with People, saying, “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,’ I said.” “In fact, the set became the source of Hollywood’s most cherished rumors,” People says. Winger desired the highest billing. According to reports, one slugged the other.” The tension between the two actresses reportedly extended to the Academy Awards, where both were nominated for Best Actress. MacLaine, upon winning, famously declared, “I deserve this!”

However, Winger has consistently maintained that her break from acting was a personal choice, not a result of on-set conflicts. “I wasn’t interested in the upcoming parts. I had either already felt that or had already done it. I required a challenge. I threw myself into it wholeheartedly because my life challenged me more than its components,” Winger told People. She emphasized her need for personal growth and fulfillment beyond the realm of acting. ““I pressed the pause button” on Hollywood for private rather than work-related reasons.”

Following her role in the 1995 romantic comedy “Forget Paris,” Winger took a six-year hiatus. During this time, she relocated to New York City and focused on her personal life. She married actor Arliss Howard in 1996, becoming stepmother to his son, Sam, and welcoming a son, Gideon Babe, in 1997. She also has a daughter, Noah Hutton, from her previous marriage to Timothy Hutton. “Winger took a six-year hiatus after costarring with Billy Crystal in the 1995 romantic comedy Forget Paris. She relocated to New York City around that period and began concentrating on actor Arliss Howard, whom she married in 1996. She is the stepmother to Howard’s son from a previous marriage, Sam, and the couple’s son, Gideon Babe, was born in 1997. Noah Hutton, her other biological child, was born while she was married to Timothy Hutton, her first husband (1986 to 1990).”

Howard directed and produced the 2001 film “Big Bad Love,” in which Winger co-starred with Rosanna Arquette. Arquette also directed the 2002 documentary “Searching for Debra Winger,” which explored Winger’s decision to step away from acting at the peak of her career. “Her husband, who costarred with Winger and Rosanna Arquette in the 2001 picture Big Bad Love, directed and produced the film. Her next job was the 2002 movie Searching for Debra Winger. As the documentary’s director, Arquette tries to explain why Winger abruptly stopped performing at the height of her career.”

In recent years, Winger has returned to acting, taking on select roles that showcase her talent and versatility. She appeared in the 2017 romantic comedy “The Lovers,” the 2020 crime-comedy “Kajillionaire,” and the 2008 drama “Rachel Getting Married.” She also participated in the anthology film “With/In, Volume 2” in 2021, with a segment written and directed by her husband, Arliss Howard, in which she also co-starred. “Winger’s roles in the 2017 romantic comedy The Lovers, the crime-comedy Kajillionaire (2020), and Rachel Getting Married (2008) opposite Anne Hathaway gave her considerable momentum. She appeared in the Her Own segment of With/In, Volume two of the anthological drama film, in 2021. Her husband, who also co-stars, wrote and directed the segment.”

Debra Winger’s perspective on Hollywood has evolved over time. “I have no idea what Hollywood is. Now that I’m living under the freaking sign, I just chuckle while staring at it. Despite the fact that there may be some crowds that I am unaware of, Winger stated, Los Angeles is a place, but the idea of Hollywood doesn’t really exist for me.” She seems to have found a sense of peace and contentment, balancing her personal life with her passion for acting.

Debra Winger’s journey in Hollywood has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. Her talent and captivating presence have left an indelible mark on cinema. We hope to see her continue to grace the screen with her remarkable performances in the years to come. What are your favorite Debra Winger films?