Debra Winger’s journey from her early days on Wonder Woman to becoming one of Hollywood’s most celebrated and enigmatic actresses is a testament to her remarkable talent and determination. Winger, known for her strong screen presence and emotional depth, began her career in the 1970s, gaining widespread recognition for her role as Drusilla, the younger sister of Wonder Woman, in the popular TV series. This early role launched her into the spotlight and paved the way for her illustrious career in film, where she earned critical acclaim and multiple Academy Award nominations.

This biography explores Debra Winger’s early life, her breakout role on Wonder Woman, her transition to film stardom, and her enduring legacy as one of the most respected actresses of her generation.

Early Life and Start in the Entertainment Industry

Debra Lynn Winger was born on May 16, 1955, in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, into a Jewish family with Eastern European roots. Raised in a suburb of Cleveland, Winger grew up with a strong sense of independence and a desire to experience life to the fullest. Her early life, however, took a dramatic turn at the age of 18 when she was involved in a serious car accident. The accident left her temporarily blind and partially paralyzed, a traumatic experience that profoundly affected her outlook on life and career.

During her recovery, Winger made a vow to herself: if she regained her sight, she would pursue her dream of becoming an actress. This newfound determination drove her to move to Los Angeles, where she began studying acting and auditioning for roles. Her resilience and talent quickly caught the attention of casting agents, leading to her first significant role in television.

Wonder Woman: Drusilla / Wonder Girl

In 1976, Debra Winger landed a recurring role on the popular television series Wonder Woman, starring Lynda Carter as the titular superhero. Winger was cast as Drusilla, Wonder Woman’s younger sister, who also possessed superhuman abilities. Drusilla was introduced in the show as a spirited Amazon princess, eventually taking on the mantle of Wonder Girl.

Winger appeared in three episodes during the first season, beginning with “The Feminum Mystique, Part 1.” As Drusilla, she brought youthful energy and curiosity to the role, contrasting with Lynda Carter’s more mature and composed portrayal of Diana Prince/Wonder Woman. Winger’s performance as Drusilla quickly made her a fan favorite, particularly for her portrayal of Wonder Girl in the second part of “The Feminum Mystique” storyline.

Although Drusilla was intended to be a recurring character, Winger chose not to continue with the series after her initial appearances. She reportedly declined to return to the role, feeling that it limited her acting opportunities and desired to pursue more serious projects in film. Despite her brief time on Wonder Woman, her role as Wonder Girl became an iconic part of the series, and her performances remain a memorable aspect of the show’s early success.

Winger’s decision to leave Wonder Woman was a bold move, but it was one that ultimately paid off as she transitioned to a successful career in film.

Breakthrough in Film: Urban Cowboy and An Officer and a Gentleman

After leaving Wonder Woman, Winger set her sights on Hollywood, determined to break into film. Her big break came in 1980 when she was cast as Sissy in Urban Cowboy, opposite John Travolta. Directed by James Bridges, the film tells the story of a love affair between two Texans set against the backdrop of the country-western culture of Houston. Winger’s portrayal of Sissy, a tough, independent woman navigating a turbulent relationship, earned her widespread praise and showcased her ability to bring depth and vulnerability to her characters.

Urban Cowboy was a box office hit, and Winger’s performance made her one of the most talked-about actresses in Hollywood. She quickly followed this success with another iconic role in the 1982 film An Officer and a Gentleman, starring opposite Richard Gere. Directed by Taylor Hackford, the film tells the story of a young man training to become a Navy officer and the romance that develops between him and a local factory worker, played by Winger.

Winger’s portrayal of Paula Pokrifki, the working-class woman who falls in love with Gere’s character, was widely acclaimed, earning her the first of three Academy Award nominations for Best Actress. Her ability to convey emotional intensity and raw vulnerability set her apart from many of her contemporaries, and she became known for taking on roles that required emotional depth and complexity.

The success of An Officer and a Gentleman solidified Winger’s status as one of Hollywood’s leading actresses, and she quickly became one of the most sought-after performers of the 1980s.

Continued Success and Critical Acclaim

Following the success of Urban Cowboy and An Officer and a Gentleman, Debra Winger continued to build her reputation as a talented and fearless actress. In 1983, she starred in Terms of Endearment, a family drama directed by James L. Brooks. Winger played Emma Greenway Horton, the daughter of Shirley MacLaine’s character, in a performance that once again earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

Terms of Endearment was a critical and commercial success, winning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Winger’s performance, alongside MacLaine and Jack Nicholson, was praised for its emotional authenticity and nuance, and the film remains one of her most celebrated works.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Winger continued to take on challenging and diverse roles. She starred in Shadowlands(1993), a biographical drama about the relationship between author C.S. Lewis and American poet Joy Gresham, for which she received her third Academy Award nomination. Winger’s portrayal of Gresham, who falls in love with Lewis while battling cancer, was deeply moving and showcased her ability to tackle emotionally complex material.

In addition to her work in Shadowlands, Winger appeared in films such as Legal Eagles (1986), Black Widow (1987), and The Sheltering Sky (1990), demonstrating her range as an actress. Her willingness to take on unconventional roles and her ability to convey deep emotion made her one of the most respected actresses of her generation.

Stepping Away from Hollywood

In the mid-1990s, Debra Winger made the surprising decision to step away from Hollywood at the height of her career. Citing dissatisfaction with the film industry and a desire for more meaningful creative opportunities, Winger took a hiatus from acting, focusing instead on her personal life and family. She married actor and director Arliss Howard in 1996, and the couple has two children.

During her time away from Hollywood, Winger remained active in other creative pursuits, including writing and producing. In 2008, she authored a memoir titled Undiscovered, in which she reflected on her life, career, and the challenges of navigating the entertainment industry.

Return to Acting and Legacy

Although Winger stepped away from the spotlight for several years, she made a gradual return to acting in the 2000s. In 2001, she starred in the independent film Big Bad Love, directed by her husband Arliss Howard. Winger’s performance in the film was praised, and her return to acting was met with enthusiasm from both critics and fans.

In the years that followed, Winger appeared in a variety of television and film projects, including the HBO series In Treatment (2010) and the romantic comedy The Lovers (2017), where she once again demonstrated her ability to bring authenticity and depth to her roles.

Winger’s enduring influence on Hollywood is undeniable. Her decision to take on complex, emotionally challenging roles throughout her career set her apart from many of her peers, and her performances have left a lasting mark on the industry. Despite stepping away from Hollywood for a time, Winger’s body of work continues to be celebrated, and her performances in films like Urban Cowboy, An Officer and a Gentleman, and Terms of Endearment remain iconic.

Debra Winger’s early role as Drusilla/Wonder Girl on Wonder Woman may have been a brief chapter in her career, but it was the launchpad for a remarkable journey that saw her become one of Hollywood’s most respected and acclaimed actresses. Her legacy as a performer is defined by her unwavering commitment to her craft, her willingness to take risks, and her ability to connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level.