Debra Lynn Messing (born August 15, 1968) is an American actress known for her role as Grace Adler on the NBC sitcom Will & Grace, which she played for eight years. After graduating from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, she appeared on the Fox sitcom Ned & Stacey (1995–1997) and the ABC sci-fi series Prey (1998).
Messing gained prominence with Will & Grace (1998–2006) and received acclaim for her roles in The Starter Wife (2007–2008), Smash (2012–2013), and The Mysteries of Laura (2014–2016). Her film credits include A Walk in the Clouds, The Mothman Prophecies, Hollywood Ending, Along Came Polly, The Wedding Date, Lucky You, The Women, and Nothing Like the Holidays. She has also voiced characters in animated films such as Garfield and Open Season. Throughout her career, she has earned six Emmy nominations with one win, eight Screen Actors Guild nominations with one win, and eight Golden Globe nominations.
United States
