Personal & Career Overview
Debra Winger, born Mary Debra Winger on May 16, 1955, in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, is regarded as one of Hollywood’s most dynamic actresses. She demonstrated early academic prowess by graduating high school at 15 and initially pursued criminology at California State University, Northridge, before shifting her focus to acting. Debra’s career trajectory took off with her captivating performance in Urban Cowboy (1980) as Sissy, earning her Golden Globe nominations. She further cemented her reputation with an Oscar and Golden Globe nomination for her role in An Officer and a Gentleman (1982), followed by another Oscar nomination for Terms of Endearment (1983). Her third Academy Award nomination came from her role in Shadowlands (1993).
Winger’s career spans decades, with works like Rachel Getting Married (2008), Boychoir (2015), and The Lovers (2017). Her television roles include appearances in In Treatment, The Ranch, and the anticipated Accused (2024). Beyond film and TV, she has made significant contributions to stage acting, notably at the American Repertory Theater and Broadway. Debra’s teaching stint at Harvard and her involvement in producing documentaries, such as Gasland, highlight her diversified pursuits. Her book Undiscovered showcases her introspective take on her journey.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth | May 16, 1955, Cleveland Heights, Ohio |
| Education | Graduated high school at 15, studied criminology at California State University, Northridge |
| Major Roles | Urban Cowboy, An Officer and a Gentleman, Terms of Endearment, Shadowlands, TV roles |
| Other Pursuits | Stage work, teaching, writing, producing |
Net Worth
Debra Winger’s career and finances are amazing. Her net worth is estimated at $8–16 million. CelebrityNetWorth has given statistics at both sides of this spectrum, demonstrating her enduring success in cinema, television, and other creative fields. Her successful performances and other initiatives like teaching and producing have contributed to her money accumulation and influence in the entertainment business.
| Financial Aspect | Estimate Range |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | Approximately $8–16 million |
Family & Relationships
Debra Winger’s personal life is anchored by her family connections and relationships. She was born to Robert Winger, a meat packer who named her after actress Debra Paget, and Ruth Felder, an office manager. Debra married actor Timothy Hutton in 1986, with whom she shares a son, Noah Hutton, an actor and filmmaker. Following their divorce in 1990, she married Arliss Howard in 1996, an actor/director she met on the set of Wilder Napalm. Together, they have a son named Gideon Babe Ruth Howard, and Winger is a stepmother to Sam Howard, Arliss’s son from a previous relationship.
| Relation | Details |
|---|---|
| Father | Robert Winger, meat packer |
| Mother | Ruth Felder, office manager |
| First Husband | Timothy Hutton (m.1986–1990), shared son Noah |
| Son | Noah Hutton, actor/filmmaker |
| Second Husband | Arliss Howard (m.1996–present), actor/director |
| Son | Gideon Babe Ruth Howard |
| Stepson | Sam Howard, Arliss’s son from previous relationship |
Latest News & Notable Developments
Debra Winger remains an enigmatic figure in Hollywood, balancing her multifaceted career with activism and personal ventures. In March 2025, she participated in a protest at Trump Tower, driven by her Jewish upbringing to oppose policies related to Israel. Her activism is a testament to her engagement in socio-political issues. Reflecting her real estate savvy, Debra listed her Upper West Side co-op in NYC for $1.49 million, demonstrating her keen eye on the housing market. In interviews, Winger has shared her perspective on aging gracefully in Hollywood, advocating for women to own fewer mirrors, thus promoting self-acceptance. Her career continues to evolve as she secures roles in television, including the series Accused (2024).
| Development | Details |
|---|---|
| Political Activism | Participated in Trump Tower protest, inspired by Jewish upbringing |
| Real Estate | Listed NYC Upper West Side co-op at $1.49M |
| Interviews | Advocated for self-acceptance, fewer mirrors for aging gracefully |
| TV Role | Cast in Accused (2024) |
FAQ
Which role is Debra Winger’s most famous?
Debra Winger is celebrated for her roles in An Officer and a Gentleman, Terms of Endearment, and Shadowlands, each earning her Oscar nominations.
Outside of performing, how has Debra Winger contributed?
Besides acting, Debra Winger has engaged in stage work, teaching at Harvard, writing a book, and producing documentaries like Gasland.
Debra Winger’s Hollywood ageing strategy?
To gracefully age in the entertainment field, Debra Winger recommends self-acceptance and fewer mirrors.
Who are Debra Winger’s children?
Debra Winger has two kids, actor/filmmaker Noah Hutton and Gideon Babe Ruth Howard, and a stepson, Sam Howard.
