Debra Messing was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Jewish American parents Sandra (née Simons) and Brian Messing. Sandra, a professional singer, banker, travel agent, and real estate agent, and Brian, a sales executive for a jewelry manufacturer, instilled in Debra a strong foundation for her future endeavors.
At the tender age of three, Debra and her family, including her older brother Brett, relocated to East Greenwich, a small town outside Providence, Rhode Island. It was during her high school years that Debra began to showcase her talents, starring in numerous school productions, including the iconic musicals "Annie" and "Fiddler on the Roof." She also took lessons in dance, singing, and acting, laying the groundwork for her future career.
In 1986, Debra was crowned Rhode Island's Junior Miss and went on to compete in the America's Junior Miss scholarship program in Mobile, Alabama. Although her parents encouraged her to pursue her dream of becoming an actress, they also emphasized the importance of completing a liberal arts education before making a career decision. Heeding their advice, Debra attended Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts, where she earned a bachelor's degree in theater arts summa cum laude in 1990.
After graduating, Debra was accepted into the elite Graduate Acting Program at New York University, where she earned a master's degree in fine arts after three years. Her first major role came in 1998, when she played the lead role of Sloan Parker on ABC's dramatic science fiction television series Prey.
However, it was her role as Grace Adler on the television show Will & Grace that catapulted her to stardom. Messing's portrayal of the lovable and quirky character earned her widespread recognition and critical acclaim. In 2002, she was named one of the "50 Most Beautiful People in the World" by People Magazine, and TV Guide picked her as its "Best Dressed Woman" in 2003.
Debra's personal life is just as remarkable as her professional one. She met her husband, Daniel Zelman, on their first day as graduate students at NYU. The couple tied the knot on September 3, 2000, and welcomed their son, Roman Walker Zelman, on April 7, 2004.
