Legendary actress Debra Winger was once a staple of the film industry, but she prefers to fly under the radar these days.
The beloved star, who is known for roles in films like An Officer and a Gentleman, Terms of Endearment, and Urban Cowboy, became a mainstay of the film industry back in the ’80s. While she took on occasional roles in more recent years, including a stunning performance as Anne Hathaway‘s mother in 2008’s Rachel Getting Married, the actress has frequently stated that she doesn’t consider herself part of the Hollywood scene.
On Sunday, Winger shared a rare photo of herself on social media for an event in Little Rock alongside poet Naomi Shihab Nye titled “A Life of Art and Activism.” Sporting full gray hair, Winger looked more beautiful than ever. That classic smile hasn’t changed one bit since the ’80s!
Terms of Endearment Memories
One of Winger’s most iconic roles was in 1983’s Terms of Endearment alongside Shirley MacLaine and Jack Nicholson. In a recent interview, the film’s director, James L. Brooks, reflected on the tense set of the beloved film, which chronicled the tumultuous relationship between a mother and daughter throughout the decades.
Brooks told PEOPLE that the film’s set felt like “when mom and dad are fighting, and that kind of frozen feeling you get in the pit of your stomach that you can do very little about it… it was a little like that.”
MacLaine and Winger didn’t get along, but the film ultimately triumphed, earning critical acclaim and a place in the hearts of film fans forever.
“At the end, there was enormous grace on Debra’s part, because we went to the Oscars,” Brooks reflected. “Everybody came home with an Oscar except Debra.”
Both Nicholson and MacLaine earned Oscars for their roles.
“People were posing with their Oscars, and she (Debra) sat there posing with an imaginary one,” he recalled. “So she had great grace at the end of it, but for a while there it was as rocky as it gets.”
Winger’s Devotion to Activist Work
While Winger isn’t spotted much on film or TV screens anymore, she chooses to devote much of her time to activism. Back in October, she joined other Jewish figures in signing an open letter calling for Israeli leadership to address Palestinian rights, Deadline reported.
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This story was originally published by Parade on Jan 18, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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