Fans across the globe were captivated by the iconic moment in the romantic classic “An Officer and a Gentleman” when Naval Officer Zack Mayo, portrayed by Richard Gere, whisked factory worker Paula, played by Debra Winger, from her job. This scene became a hallmark of love stories, with Winger’s character becoming a symbol of romance and passion.
Rise to Stardom
Debra Winger became the envy of many for her chance to work with some of Hollywood’s most attractive men. Now 67, Winger still exudes beauty, often sharing pictures of herself on Instagram, showcasing her transition from brown hair to natural, wavy gray.
Winger made her cinematic debut in 1976 as Drusilla in “Slumber Party ’57,” playing the younger sister of Lynda Carter’s Wonder Woman. This role led to her appearance in the popular TV series “Wonder Woman” (1979). Despite the opportunity to appear more frequently, Winger declined to avoid being typecast.
Acclaimed Performances
The early 1980s marked the peak of Winger’s career, with multiple Academy and Golden Globe nominations for her roles in three influential films. She starred alongside John Travolta in “Urban Cowboy” (1980), appeared as Paula in “An Officer and a Gentleman” (1982), and played Emma in “Terms of Endearment” (1983) opposite Shirley MacLaine. Despite her success, Winger took a brief hiatus from acting, sparking rumors about her departure.
Behind the Scenes Conflicts
Winger’s career was not without its controversies. On the set of “An Officer and a Gentleman,” tensions with co-star Richard Gere were palpable. Louis Gossett Jr., who played Sgt. Emil Foley, recounted in his book “An Actor and a Gentleman” that the off-screen relationship between Winger and Gere was strained, despite their on-screen chemistry. Winger reportedly referred to Gere as “a brick wall” and director Taylor Hackford as an “animal.”
Winger’s clashes extended beyond this film. Her relationship with Shirley MacLaine during the filming of “Terms of Endearment” was equally tumultuous. MacLaine recalled their first meeting, highlighting the stark contrast between her glamorous attire and Winger’s more casual look. The rivalry between the two actresses became legendary, culminating in MacLaine’s memorable acceptance speech at the Oscars where she declared, “I deserve this!”
A Personal Pause
Contrary to the rumors, Winger insists her break from Hollywood was for personal reasons, not professional conflicts. “I wasn’t interested in the parts coming my way,” she explained. “I needed a challenge. I dove into my life fully because it fed me more than the parts did.”
After starring in “Forget Paris” (1995) with Billy Crystal, Winger took a six-year hiatus, moving to New York City and marrying actor Arliss Howard in 1996. They have a son, Gideon Babe, born in 1997, and Winger is also the stepmother to Howard’s son Sam from a previous marriage. She has another son, Noah Hutton, from her first marriage to Timothy Hutton.
Continued Legacy
Winger returned to the screen with notable roles in “Rachel Getting Married” (2008), “The Lovers” (2017), and “Kajillionaire” (2020). In 2021, she appeared in the anthology drama film “With/In, Volume 2,” directed by her husband Arliss Howard. Reflecting on her career, Winger remarked, “I have no idea what Hollywood is. Now that I’m living under the sign, I just laugh and look at it. Hollywood is a place, but I don’t really think of it as such.”
Debra Winger’s impact on Hollywood is undeniable. Her memorable performances and candid personality have left a lasting impression. We hope to see her receive an Academy Award in the near future. What are your favorite Debra Winger movies?
