With three Oscar nominations to her name and an enviable portfolio of A-list co-stars like John Travolta, Richard Gere and Billy Crystal, Debra Winger isn't lacking for star-dusted lustre. Since the '80s, Debra has been wowing us with her talent for the screen, accruing a strong fanbase and acclaim from the industry.
Read on to take a look back at her career, meet her family and see what the actress is up to now.
© Ron Galella Collection via Getty ImagesDebra was born in Cleveland Heights, Ohio in 1955
Early life
Born on 16 May 1955, Debra Winger arrived to parents Robert Winger and Ruth Felder-Winger in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.
In 1984's Mike's Murder, Debra's mother cameoed as the on-screen mother to her real life daughter, with an answering machine message.
© Getty ImagesDebra Winger got her start in the '70s but made it big in the '80s
Starting career
Debra first appeared on screen in 1976's Slumber Party '57, immediately followed by three episodes of '70s hit series of Wonder Woman. Through the '70s, she appeared in the TV movie Special Olympics, and theatrical features like Thank God It's Friday and French Postcards.
In 1980, she joined dancing Hollywood legend John Travolta in Urban Cowboy as Sissy and made an uncredited appearance in E.T. two years later.
© Getty ImagesDebra's Emma Horton is still one of the actress' best loved roles
Star role
In the early '80s, Debra truly hit her acting stride. She worked on 1982 romantic hit An Officer and a Gentleman, starring in her most memorable role the following year as Emma Horton in Terms of Endearment.
Determined to forge a path unlike her mother's, Debra's star role struck a chord with plenty of fans for her stubbornness and romantic outlook.
© Ron Galella Collection via Getty ImagesDebra has been married twice
Romantic life
Debra has been married twice, wedding Timothy Hutton in 1986. An actor like Debra, Oscar-winner Timothy is best known for his roles in Ordinary People and Leverage. The couple split in 1990 after welcoming a son.
Six years later, Debra tied the knot with Arliss Howard, actor and screenwriter, known for Full Metal Jacket, Netflix's The Killer and Plain Clothes. They're still married today and share a son.
© Getty ImagesGideon is Debra's younger son
Mother of two
Both of Debra's children have followed her into show business. Her oldest son Noah Hutton is a filmmaker and director, best known for Lapsis, Deep Time and In Silico.
Her younger son Gideon Howard, credited as Babe Howard on IMDb, is an actor, writer and director. He's worked on Lapsis and acted in short films Golden Child and Tom & Cinda.
© Ron Galella Collection via Getty ImagesDebra continued to work through the '90s and '00s
Later success
After her success through the '80s, Debra starred in '00s hits like Sometimes in April and Rachel Getting Married.
Debra continued her career in the 2010s, taking a long-standing role on The Ranch between 2016 and 2020 for a total of 65 episodes.
© Getty ImagesDebra Winger is still acting, albeit less frequently, today
Where is she now?
While the actress reached the pinnacle of her fame in the '80s, she can still occasionally be seen on screen today.
Debra stepped back from the spotlight after growing tired with the selection of roles she was offered. Nowadays, she occasionally takes on smaller roles on shows like Mr Corman, Accused and Ultra City Smiths.
