Here is some brief biographical and filmography information about Debra.  This information is courtesy of: IMDb (Internet Movie Database).  I have included my own personal comments where appropriate (I'll post more as I watch more of her movies.)

Biography

• Born on August 15, 1968 in Brooklyn, New York
• Graduated from Brandeis University
• Earned a Master's in Drama from New York University
• Married to Daniel Zelman (they have one son, Roman Walker Zelman)
• Won an Emmy Award in 2003 for "Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series" (Will & Grace)

Filmography

• A Walk in the Clouds - 1995 - Betty Sutton
   
• Ned & Stacy (TV) - 1995 - Stacey Colbert Dorsey
  • In some ways, a kind of "hetero" version of Will & Grace (if you remember the show, you'll know what I'm talking about.)  It was funnier than W&G, but never caught on in the ratings. Maybe the show will make its way onto DVD in the future.
     
• McHale's Navy - 1997 - Lt. Penelope Carpenter
• Prey (TV) - 1997/98 - Dr. Sloan Parker
• Celebrity - 1998 - TV Reporter at Lupus Office
   
• Will & Grace (TV) - 1998/Present - Grace Adler Markus
  • Definitely Debra's "breakthrough" role.  The early seasons of the show were fresh and quite enjoyable but, like many sitcoms, the premise has become tired and predictable.  Let's face it, there's only so much writers can do with the "gay man, straight woman" dyad.  During her pregnancy, Debra took a brief hiatus from the show, and their ratings (and the show's quality) dropped dramatically.  Past seasons of the show are now available on DVD.
    
    I think it's safe to say that Debra carries the show (and has from the beginning.)  Needless to say, if Debra weren't on the show, I would NEVER watch it.
     
• Jesus (TV miniseries) - 1999 - Mary Magdalene
  • As a telling of the life of Jesus, this miniseries leaves a lot to be desired.  Jesus comes across as a frat boy more interested in having fun than saving the souls of Christians.  The scene where he selects his apostles reminded me of picking teams in gym class (seriously, it was that banal.)  The crucifixion scene was hurried and took all of 10 minutes! 
    
    As for Debra's performance, she did a nice job.  She plays the prostitute, Mary Magdalene.  I think she says, "I'm a prostitute" about three times!)  She does do a nude scene early in the film (to my knowledge, the only on-scene nudity that she's done aside from a brief topless scene in "Ned & Stacy".)  Of course, the scene is carefully shot so little flesh is exposed (her butt crack is clearly visible, though.)  I have posted screen caps of the film.
     
• The Mothman Prophecies - 2002 - Mary Klein
• Hollywood Ending - 2002 - Lori Fox
   
• Along Came Polly - 2004 - Lisa Kramer
  • Judged as a whole, this movie is a mess.  There are brief funny moments, but chuckles are few and far between.  It was a fairly bland performance from Debra, but I think that had more to do with the thin script than her acting ability (her on-screen time was limited, too.)  The only memorable moment in the film (aside from Debra in a bikini): The coining of the term "shart" (when one attempts to fart but shits their pants, instead.)
    
    If you do decide to rent this stinker, make sure to watch the extra features.  In one segment, Debra raps.  It will make you cringe.  I have done some screen caps of the film.
     
• Garfield - 2004 - Voice actor for Arlene the cat
   
• The Wedding Date (Previously: Something Borrowed) - 2004 - Kat Ellis (not yet released)
   
• Open Season - 2006 - Beth (not yet released)

Biographical Information & Filmography

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Last updated: July 5, 2004