Jump directly to the content
full of grace

Who is Debra Messing? Grace Adler in Will & Grace star who also appeared in Along Came Polly

DEBRA Messing is the beautiful redhead who rose to fame on Will & Grace but she certainly isn't just a one-trick pony.

The actress has had an amazing career to date, here is everything you need to know about her following the classic sitcom's return.

 Debra Messing is a 49-year-old actress
3
Debra Messing is a 49-year-old actressCredit: Splash News

Who is Debra Messing?

Debra Messing was born in Brooklyn, New York on August 15, 1968, making her 49 years old.

She is Jewish with Polish and Russian ancestry and grew up in Rhode Island with her family.

Debra was accepted into the prestigious Graduate Acting Program at New York University's Tisch School of Arts in 1990 and earned a Master of Fine Arts degree.

 Debra is best known for her role as Grace Adler in Will & Grace
3
Debra is best known for her role as Grace Adler in Will & GraceCredit: NBC

When did Debra first play Grace Adler in Will & Grace?

After short stints in shows including NYPD Blue and sitcom Ned & Stacey, Debra won the role of Grace Adler in NBC's Will & Grace in 1998.

Debra played the role of the neurotic interior designer for eight seasons until 2006 but after reuniting for a 10-minute Presidential election special in September 2016, NBC announced the show would be coming back for a brand new season.

Series nine aired in America last year, and it finally hit British shores on Friday, January 5 on Channel 5 at 10pm. 

 The cast have reunited for a ninth season after an 11 year break
3
The cast have reunited for a ninth season after an 11 year breakCredit: AP:Associated Press

What else has Debra starred in?

While Will & Grace was still in its original run, Debra starred in a number of movies including Along Came Polly with Ben Stiller and Jennifer Aniston, and The Wedding Date opposite Dermot Mulroney.

Her other film credits include The Mothman Prophecies, The Women and Open Season, where she provided the voice of Beth.

Debra has also worked on other TV shows aside from Will & Grace, including Smash and The Mysteries of Laura.

Is Debra married?

Debra married actor and screenwriter Daniel Zelman in September 2000, a decade after they first met on their first day as graduate students at New York University.

The actress gave birth to the couple's only child, son Roman in April 2004.

The couple separated in December 2011 and Debra filed for divorce in June the following year.

The divorce was finalised in March 2016.

A new series of Will & Grace is on Channel 5 almost 12 years after it was last on our screens
Topics