Kim Wacker

Debra Messing – From Grace to Smash

By: Kim Wacker

If you’re anything like me, you constantly find yourself cheering for the “redheads” who make a name for themselves in Hollywood.  I don’t think anyone can disagree that Debra Messing is one of those redheads who has absolutely set the bar for other redhead celebs.

Who couldn’t resist her witty and lovable charm as Grace on Will and Grace?  The TV series aired from 1998-2006.  Audiences of all ages, races, gender and sexual orientation fell in love with the comedy, which is still in syndication today on the Lifetime network.

In 2012, Debra made a new name for herself as a leading lady once again…this time in Smash.  Debra plays writer, Julia Houston the NBC show. Smash is an American musical drama series created by Theresa Rebeck and produced by Steven Spielberg.  The show revolves around the creation of a new Broadway musical based on the life of Marilyn Monroe.   As the production takes shape, everyone involved in it must balance their often chaotic personal lives with the all-consuming demands of a life in the theatre.

What many of Messing’s fans don’t know is that Debra grew up in a quiet community just outside of Rhode Island, where she devoted most of her childhood to musical theater.  Her most frightening moment was when she auditioned for Annie.  To no surprise, she got the part!

When asked by E! Online if she still gets butterflies in her stomach these days when coming in to audition, Messing replied, “Always always!”

Although Smash didn’t get picked up for a third season, I am still routing for the redhead starlet! Are you?