In a timeless tale of romance, Naval Officer Zack Mayo swept factory worker Paula into his arms and carried her from her workplace, leaving fans everywhere wishing they were the beautiful Debra Winger.
The legendary scene in the romantic drama an Officer and a Gentleman–where Richard Gere played Officer Zack Mayo, the handsome hero in navy whites–became the benchmark of love stories for daydreaming fans.
Acting alongside Hollywood’s hottest men, Debra Winger was the envy of many.
Today, Winger, 67, is as beautiful as ever. In the past few years, Winger has posted photos herself on Instagram, first with brown hair and now to a natural wavy gray.
Winger’s first starring role was in the 1976 film Slumber Party ‘57, which led to a part on the hit TV series Wonder Woman (1979), where she played Drusilla, the younger sister to Lynda Carter’s Diana Prince/Wonder Woman. Winger was asked to appear more often but concerned she’d be typecast by that role, she declined.
There were no regrets for that decision, the early ‘80s would be prosperous for the rising star.
At the height of her young career, she received numerous nods from the Academy and Golden Globes for performances in three iconic movies of the 1980’s.
In 1980, she starred in Urban Cowboy, with John Travolta, who at the time was driving fans wild with his smooth dance moves in Saturday Night Fever (1977) and Grease (1988); as Paula in an Officer and a Gentleman (1982) and in Terms of Endearment (1983), where she played Emma, a dying young woman with an over-bearing mother, Aurora, played by Shirley MacLaine.
Despite her huge success, Winger, carving hours from her acting schedule, took a mini Hollywood hiatus, and more than four decades after her rise to stardom, speculation of why she left is still circulating.
Most of these rumours revolve around the feuds that Winger had with her co-stars.
Though fans couldn’t get enough of the handsome Gere, it’s been widely reported that Winger had enough of him on the set.
According to an excerpt published on ABC News from the book, “An Actor and a Gentleman,” by co-star, Louis Gossett Jr., who played Sgt. Emil Foley: “The onscreen chemistry between the two of them was terrific, but it was a different story once the camera was turned off. They couldn’t have stayed farther apart from each other.”
Gossett also claims that Winger didn’t think much of Gere’s acting and wrote that she once described Gere as “a brick wall.” And, the film’s director, Taylor Hackford, whom she also did not likе, she referred to as “animal.”
It wasn’t only people on that film that ruffled her feathers.
Winger, a free spirit in real life and in her role as Emma, also clashed with the prolific MacLaine, a glamourous, eccentric and seasoned veteran.
Their first meeting set the stage for their relationship.
“To see how my character would feel I was wearing all my leftover movie-star fur coats,” MacLaine said in an interview with People. “There was Debra dressed in combat boots and a miniskirt…I thought, ‘Oh my goodness.’”
People writes, “Indeed, the set became the source of Hollywood’s most relished rumors. Winger wanted top billing. One reportedly slugged the other.”
And then, the women were pitted against each other in the Oscars when they were both nominated for best actress.
MacLaine, taking the trophy home, said in her acceptance speech, “I deserve this!”
Rumors aside, Winger insists she “pushed the pause button” on Hollywood for personal reasons and not professional.
“The parts that were coming, I wasn’t interested in. I’d already done that or I’d already felt that. I needed to be challenged. My life challenged me more than the parts, so I dove into it fully,” Winger told People.
After starring in the 1995 romcom Forget Paris with Billy Crystal, Winger took a six-year break.
In that time, she moved to New York City and shifted her focus to actor Arliss Howard, whom she married in 1996. The pair have a son, Gideon Babe, who was born in 1997, and she is stepmother to Sam, Howard’s son from a previous marriage. She also has another biological child, Noah Hutton, whom she mothered while married to her first husband, Timothy Hutton (1986 to 1990).
She reappeared in the 2001 film Big Bad Love, that was directed and produced by her husband, who also co-starred alongside Winger and Rosanna Arquette, who’s next project was 2002 film Searching for Debra Winger. As director of the documentary, Arquette attempts to answer why Winger temporarily аbаndоned her career at peak performance.
Winger gained some momentum with roles in Rachel Getting Married (2008) with Anne Hathaway, the 2017 romcom The Lovers, and the crime-comedy, Kajillionaire (2020).
In 2021, she was in With/In, Volume two of the anthological drama film, in the segment Her Own, which is written and directed by her husband, who also co-stars.
“I don’t know what Hollywood is. I’m living under the freaking sign now, and I just stare at it and laugh. Los Angeles is a place, but the idea of Hollywood doesn’t really exist for me,” Winger said, adding, “…although there must be some in-crowds that I just don’t know about.”
We can’t imagine a Hollywood without Debra Winger and we hope she soon gets to take home an Academy Award ! What are your favorite Winger movies?
Man gives tour of 450-sq-foot cabin that looks simple on the outside but is “magical” inside
Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Ohio’s enchanting Hocking Hills, a collection of charming tiny homes and vacation rentals beckon travelers seeking a retreat into nature’s embrace.
In this idyllic region, where the splendor of the outdoors effortlessly enhances any dwelling, the GloCabin emerges as a distinctive gem, captivating visitors not only with its exterior allure but also with the surprises it holds within.
Contrasting against the verdant surroundings, the GloCabin’s dark Alderwood French doors and matte black facade may initially exude a hint of solemnity. However, this understated color palette serves as a striking canvas, allowing the cabin to make a bold statement amidst its natural backdrop.
Stepping into the GloCabin unveils a transformative experience. The somber exterior gives way to a luminous and welcoming interior, inspired by the laid-back elegance of California Casual design.
Within its cozy confines, neutral tones harmonize with warm wood accents, creating an ambiance of tranquility and comfort. Thoughtfully arranged common spaces encourage effortless interaction and movement, seamlessly connecting the living area with the well-appointed kitchen and breakfast counter.
Despite its compact footprint, the GloCabin offers ample space for relaxation and entertainment, with a thoughtful layout that maximizes functionality without compromising on comfort. Culinary enthusiasts will delight in the fully-equipped kitchen, complete with modern appliances and a stylish central island that doubles as a versatile dining spot.
The bedroom, accessible from both sides of the cabin, beckons with its cozy charm and generous storage options. Doors opening onto separate decks blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living, inviting guests to savor alfresco dining against a backdrop of awe-inspiring vistas.
The bathroom exudes an airy elegance, boasting a spacious shower and a vanity table crafted from reclaimed materials, infusing the space with a sense of history and character. A hidden gem awaits behind a second door, leading to a deck adorned with a luxurious Japanese Cedar Spa tub, a sanctuary for relaxation amidst the wilderness.
Designed to embrace the great outdoors, the GloCabin seamlessly integrates indoor comfort with outdoor adventure. Expansive decks offer panoramic views and direct access to hiking trails, catering to nature enthusiasts and leisure seekers alike.
In essence, the GloCabin transcends the limitations of its size, proving that true elegance knows no bounds. Whether indulging in moments of serenity or embarking on outdoor escapades, this charming abode promises an unforgettable retreat into the heart of nature’s splendor.
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