Debra Messing is an American actress who portrayed Grace Adler in Will & Grace.
Grace Adler
Messing, who idolizes Lucille Ball and Carol Burnett, did not want to play Grace as the "pristine" and "pretty, straight" woman but rather enjoyed more physical comedy in her portrayal.[1]
Casting
Messing was playing the lead in ABC's sci-fi series Prey when she was asked to audition for the role of Grace. She admits she was unsure if she wanted the role because she had been working for five straight years at that point and was thinking of taking a break.[2] However, she had a goal to work on an NBC sitcom with director James Burrows so she decided to try for the part.
Nicollette Sheridan, who would later make a guest appearance as a rival to Grace, was also a front runner for the role but producer Max Mutchnick would later recall her reading to be "too desperate" (a reference to Sheridan's later role in Desperate Housewives).[3] Messing was the last to audition and after reading scenes with Eric McCormack at the den of James Burrows' home, she was offered the role. According to McCormack, Messing won over the casting director because she was the first actress to laugh during the scene, showing how her character Grace enjoys being friends with Will.[4]
Awards and Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | American Comedy Award | Best Female Performer in a TV Series | Nominated |
| Primetime Emmy Award | Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series | Nominated | |
| Golden Globe Award | Best Actress in a TV Series – Comedy or Musical | Nominated | |
| Viewers for Quality Television Award | Best Actress in a Comedy Series | Nominated | |
| 2001 | American Comedy Award | Best Female Performer in a TV Series | Nominated |
| Primetime Emmy Award | Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series | Nominated | |
| Golden Globe Award | Best Actress in a TV Series – Comedy or Musical | Nominated | |
| Screen Actors Guild Award | Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series | Won | |
| Screen Actors Guild Award | Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series | Nominated | |
| Teen Choice Award | Choice TV Actress | Nominated | |
| TV Guide Award | Actress of the Year in a Comedy Series | Won
| |
| 2002 | Primetime Emmy Award | Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series | Nominated |
| Golden Globe Award | Best Actress in a TV Series – Comedy or Musical | Nominated | |
| Satellite Award | Best Actress in a TV Series – Comedy or Musical | Won | |
| Screen Actors Guild Award | Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series | Nominated | |
| Teen Choice Award | Choice TV Actress | Nominated
| |
| 2003 | Primetime Emmy Award | Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series | Won |
| Golden Globe Award | Best Actress in a TV Series – Comedy or Musical | Nominated | |
| Satellite Award | Best Actress in a TV Series – Comedy or Musical | Won | |
| Screen Actors Guild Award | Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series | Nominated | |
| Golden Globe Award | Best Actress in a TV Series – Comedy or Musical | Nominated
| |
| 2004 | Satellite Award | Best Actress in a TV Series – Comedy or Musical | Nominated |
| Screen Actors Guild Award | Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series | Nominated | |
| Screen Actors Guild Award | Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series | Nominated
| |
| 2005 | Golden Globe Award | Best Actress in a TV Series – Comedy or Musical | Nominated |
| People's Choice Award | Best Female TV Star | Nominated | |
| People's Choice Award | Best Female Comedic Star | Nominated | |
| Screen Actors Guild Award | Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series | Nominated
| |
| 2006 | Primetime Emmy Award | Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series | Nominated |
| Teen Choice Award | Choice TV Actress | Nominated |
Notes
- Similar to Grace, Messing is also Jewish and originally has brown hair.
- Messing is the last member of the main cast to win an Emmy for a role on the show. She won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 2003 for the episode The Kids Stay Out of the Picture, which features the climactic argument between Will and Grace about having a child together.
Media
 Debra Messing Clairol Commercial (1995) |
 Debra Messing wins 2003 Emmy Award for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series |
External links
References
- ↑ American Jewish Life Magazine, Gerri Miller. March-April 2006. LADY OF GRACE. Actress Debra Messing speaks candidly on motherhood, her Judaism, and saying farewell to Will & Grace.
- ↑ Will and Grace Cast Interview on Charlie Rose (2000)
- ↑ Stated in interview on Inside the Actors Studio
- ↑ Will on Will & Grace. 2003. TV Movie.