Debra, a talented actress and singer, was born in London and currently resides in the Chiltern area of Buckinghamshire. She is married with two daughters, both of whom have followed in their mother's footsteps in the music industry. Her eldest daughter, Stevie Leigh, is a singer, songwriter, and producer, while her youngest, Chess Taylor, is a classical crossover singer and recording artist.
Debra's early life was marked by a passion for acting and singing, which led her to become involved in a local theatre. She learned all aspects of live performance and stage production, taking on various roles in plays that ranged from tragedy to farce, which honed her versatility. She also enjoyed playing leading roles in musical theatre productions.
As a strong vocalist, Debra spent many hours in recording studios laying down lead and backing vocals. One of her collaborations even made it to the final ten in the UK's Eurovision Song Contest selection process. Recording vocals on songs written by others was always a great opportunity, but writing her own material was a natural progression that she still enjoys.
After taking time out to raise her family, Debra transitioned into filming, rediscovering her love for acting and soon returning to the stage in comedy plays. She also began taking on small roles in mainstream films and TV dramas, including Injustice (2011) and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011). She has since landed a variety of roles in independent productions, giving her extensive experience and proving herself a versatile screen actress.
For her portrayal of Meredith Jones in the film Dogged (2017),Debra received a nomination for Best Actress. In 2021, she took part in a live on-line performance of 13 Seconds in Kent State, playing the role of Doris Krause. Written by Lance Steen Anthony Nielsen, this detailed script was based on witness accounts and conversations relating to the tragic shootings that took place at Kent State University in 1970. The production was praised by several surviving victims of this tragic event, who thanked Debra for highlighting what had happened and what should never be forgotten.
