Debra Messing Net Worth

What Is Debra Messing's Net Worth and Salary?

Debra Messing is an American actress who has a net worth of $25 million. Debra Messing first gained widespread attention in the mid-1990s with supporting parts on series like "Ned & Stacey" and "Prey," but her career changed dramatically in 1998 when she was cast as Grace Adler on NBC's "Will & Grace." The show quickly became a cultural landmark, breaking ground for its portrayal of LGBTQ characters and relationships while giving Messing a role that showcased both her sharp comedic timing and her emotional warmth. Over its original eight-season run, she earned multiple Golden Globe and Emmy nominations, winning an Emmy in 2003. When the series returned years later for its successful revival, Messing once again anchored the ensemble and reinforced the show's lasting impact.

Outside of "Will & Grace," Messing built an eclectic resume that included dramas, procedurals, and miniseries. She starred in the Emmy-winning miniseries "The Starter Wife," appeared in the musical drama "Smash," and led the police procedural "The Mysteries of Laura." Her film credits range from romantic comedies like "The Wedding Date" to ensemble features such as "Along Came Polly" and "Nothing Like the Holidays." Throughout her career, Messing has also been active in advocacy work, particularly on issues related to LGBTQ rights, women's rights, and political activism.

"Will & Grace" Salary

At the peak of "Will & Grace," Debra was paid $250,000 in base salary alone (this does not include royalties), which works out to around $6 million per season.

Early Life

Early Life

Debra Messing was born Debra Lynn Messing on August 15, 1968, in Brooklyn, New York. Her mother, Sandra, worked as a professional singer, banker, and travel agent, while her father, Brian Messing, was a sales executive for a costume jewelry manufacturer. When she was three, the family relocated to East Greenwich, Rhode Island, where Messing developed a deep interest in the performing arts. At East Greenwich High School, she appeared in numerous productions and played leading roles in shows such as "Annie" and "Grease."

Encouraged by her parents to pursue a broad academic foundation, Messing attended Brandeis University, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in theater arts. She then enrolled at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, completing her Master of Fine Arts in just three years. Her training gave her a strong grounding in dramatic technique and positioned her for a professional acting career.

Early Career

Messing first gained attention in 1993 with her acclaimed performance as Harper Pitt in the pre-Broadway workshop of "Angels in America." She soon moved into television work, appearing in multiple episodes of "NYPD Blue" between 1994 and 1995. Her film debut came shortly after in the 1995 romantic drama "A Walk in the Clouds."

She then landed a co-starring role opposite Thomas Haden Church on the Fox sitcom "Ned & Stacey," which aired from 1995 to 1997. During this period, she also guest-starred twice on "Seinfeld" and appeared in the 1997 film "McHale's Navy." In 1998, she starred in the ABC science fiction drama "Prey," and it was during this time that her agent sent her the pilot script for a new NBC comedy being developed by creators David Kohan and Max Mutchnick. Although hesitant to take on another project while filming "Prey," Messing was drawn to the writing and auditioned for the role that would fundamentally change her career.

"Will & Grace"

In 1998, Messing was cast as Grace Adler on the NBC sitcom "Will & Grace," which was created by David Kohan and Max Mutchnick. On the show, she starred alongside Eric McCormack, Sean Hayes, and Megan Mullally. The series quickly became a cultural phenomenon, distinguishing itself as one of the most influential comedies of its generation. It earned widespread acclaim for its writing, performances, and groundbreaking LGBTQ representation. Messing's portrayal of Grace made her a household name, earning her multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, as well as an Emmy win for Best Actress.

She remained with the show throughout its original 1998 to 2006 run, and later reprised the role in the successful revival that aired from 2017 to 2020. During the show's peak, she became widely recognized for her comedic timing and on-screen chemistry with the ensemble cast. Media outlets took notice as well: "People" magazine named her one of the "50 Most Beautiful People" in 2002, and "TV Guide" cited her as its Best Dressed Woman the following year.

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Film and Television Work

Beyond "Will & Grace," Messing built a diverse portfolio across film, television, and stage. Her film credits include "Along Came Polly," "The Wedding Date" (her first lead role in a major box office success), "Nothing Like the Holidays," and the voice of Arlene in the animated feature "Garfield." She also appeared in Woody Allen's "Hollywood Ending" in 2002.

On television, she starred in USA Network's "The Starter Wife," which earned ten Emmy nominations, and led the ensemble of the musical drama "Smash" from 2012 to 2013. She later headlined "The Mysteries of Laura," a police procedural that aired for two seasons. Messing made her Broadway debut in 2014 in John Patrick Shanley's play "Outside Mullingar," which received a Tony nomination for Best Play. She continued appearing in a range of television specials and projects, including "Celebrity Jeopardy," and took on the role of Marjorie Houseman in the television remake of "Dirty Dancing."

In 2020, she appeared in the political satire "Irresistible" and the adventure drama "The Dark Divide," further underscoring the breadth of her screen career.

Recent Work

Messing has continued to work in both film and television while taking on more producing and advocacy projects. She appeared in the Netflix film "13: The Musical" in 2022 and made a comedic cameo as herself in the romantic comedy "Bros" that same year. She also had a supporting role in the Barry Levinson crime drama "The Alto Knights," which was released in 2025 after several production delays. Beyond acting, Messing stepped into producing with the documentary "Primal Fear," focused on antisemitism and social tensions on college campuses. She has remained active on stage and in public-facing events, including co-hosting the 2025 Drama Desk Awards, and continues to be a vocal figure in political and social advocacy.

Accolades and Honors

Over the course of her career, Messing has won a Primetime Emmy Award (2003) and has been nominated for six Emmys, eight Golden Globes, and eight Screen Actors Guild Awards. She was nominated in 2005 for Favorite Funny Female Star at the People's Choice Awards. In 2005, along with her "Will & Grace" co-star, Megan Mullally, she was awarded the Women in Film Lucy Award in recognition of her "excellence and innovation in her creative works that have enhanced the perception of women through the medium of television." In 2017, Messing was honored with the Excellence in Media Award by GLAAD. In October 2017, she was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame and received a star for her contribution to television.

Personal Life

Debra met actor and screenwriter Daniel Zelman on their first day as graduate students at NYU in 1990. They married in September 2000 and had a son together, Roman, in April 2004. They separated after 11 years of marriage in December 2011. Messing filed for divorce in June 2012, but the divorce was not officially completed until March 1, 2016. She dated her "Smash" co-star Will Chase from 2011 to October 2014.

Political Views/Controversies

In March 2020, Messing, an outspoken critic of President Trump's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, publicly condemned what she viewed as federal mismanagement during the early stages of the crisis. She shared a video and a tweet referring to Trump as a "Liar in Chief," arguing that misinformation and delays in response would cost lives. Messing also questioned whether supporters of the administration recognized the extent of the failures she believed had occurred, urging them to consider the stakes of the upcoming presidential election. Her comments drew both strong support from those who agreed with her assessment and criticism from those who viewed the remarks as partisan or inflammatory, further cementing her reputation as a politically vocal public figure.

In 2025, Messing again drew political controversy when she shared memes and posts on social media attacking New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. The posts included Islamophobic language and misleading claims characterizing Mamdani as a "jihadist," prompting criticism from followers and commentators. Messing, who has long been vocal on issues related to Israel and Jewish identity, faced backlash for amplifying rhetoric that targeted Mamdani's religion and political views. The incident sparked widespread discussion online about her political messaging and use of social platforms.

Real Estate

In 2002, Debra and Daniel bought Renée Zellweger's Bel Air mansion for $7.5 million. In 2013, they sold the mansion for $11.4 million.

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