Debbie Reynolds

Date of Death: December 28, 2016 (84)

Birth Place: El Paso, TX, USA

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Debbie Reynolds BIO

Debbie Reynolds was an American actress, singer, entertainer, businesswoman, film historian, humanitarian and a noted former collector of film memorabilia. Her breakout role was the portrayal of Helen Kane in the 1950 film "Three Little Words", for which she was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Most Promising Newcomer.

However, it was her first leading role in 1952 at age 19, as Kathy Selden in "Singin' in the Rain," that set her on the path to fame. By the mid-1950s, she was a major star. Other notable successes include "The Affairs of Dobie Gillis," "Susan Slept Here," "Bundle of Joy," for which she received a Golden Globe nomination, "The Catered Affair," and and "Tammy and the Bachelor," in which her rendering of the song "Tammy" reached number one on the music charts.

She starred in "How the West Was Won," and "The Unsinkable Molly Brown." Her performance as Molly Brown earned her a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress.
Her other notable films include "The Singing Nun," "Divorce American Style," "What's the Matter with Helen?," "Mother (1996 Golden Globe nomination)," and "In & Out."

Reynolds is also a noted cabaret performer. In 1979 she founded the Debbie Reynolds Dance Studio in North Hollywood, which still operates today.

In 1973 Reynolds starred in a Broadway revival of the musical "Irene" and was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Lead Actress in a Musical. In 1969 she starred in her own television show, "The Debbie Reynolds Show," for which she received a Golden Globe nomination. She was also nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award for her performance in "A Gift of Love" and an Emmy Award for playing Grace's mother Bobbi on "Will & Grace."

In 1988 she released her autobiography titled, "Debbie: My Life." In 2013, she released an updated version titled "Unsinkable: A Memoir."

Reynolds died after suffering a stroke, one day after the passing of her daughter Carrie Fisher.

Debbie Reynolds Photos

Debbie Reynolds STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1981
Tess Harding [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Concert [Broadway], 1976
Performer

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1973
Irene O'Dare

[US Tour]
West Coast Revival, 1977
Annie Oakley


Debbie Reynolds Movies

[1950]The Daughter of Rosie O'Grady Maureen O'Grady

[1950]Two Weeks with Love Melba Robinson

[1950]Three Little Words Helen Kane

[1951]You Belong to My Heart Gwen

[1952]24th Annual Academy Awards Self - Audience Member

[1952]Singin' in the Rain Kathy Selden

[1953]The Affairs of Dobie Gillis Pansy Hammer

[1953]I Love Melvin Judy Schneider / Judy LeRoy

[1953]Give a Girl a Break Suzy Doolittle

[1954]Susan Slept Here Susan Beaurgard Landis

[1954]Athena Minerva Mulvain

[1954]A Star Is Born World Premiere

[1955]The Tender Trap Julie Gillis

[1955]Hit the Deck Carol Pace

[1956]Bundle of Joy Polly Parish

[1956]Atlantic City Holiday

[1956]The Catered Affair Jane Hurley

[1957]Tammy Tammy

[1958]This Happy Feeling Janet Blake

[1959]The Gazebo Nell Nash

[1959]The Mating Game Mariette Larkin

[1959]It Started with a Kiss Maggie Putnam

[1959]Say One for Me Holly LeMaise aka Conroy

[1960]A Date with Debbie Self - Host

[1960]Pepe Debbie Reynolds

[1960]The Rat Race Peggy Brown

[1961]The Second Time Around Lucretia 'Lu' Rogers

[1961]The Pleasure of His Company Jessica Poole

[1962]How the West Was Won Lilith Prescott

[1963]Mary, Mary Mary McKellaway

[1963]My Six Loves Janice Courtney

[1964]The Unsinkable Molly Brown Molly Brown

[1964]Goodbye Charlie Charlie Sorel / Virginia Mason

[1966]The Singing Nun Sister Ann

[1967]Divorce American Style Barbara Harmon

[1968]How Sweet It Is! Jenny

[1969]Debbie Reynolds and the Sound of Children Debbie Reynolds

[1971]What's the Matter with Helen? Adelle

[1973]Charlotte's Web Charlotte - Voice

[1978]Leapin' Lizards, It's Liberace!

[1987]Sadie and Son Sadie

[1989]Perry Mason: The Case of the Musical Murder Amanda Cody

[1989]Kiki's Delivery Service Madame - Voice

[1991]The Malibu Beach Vampires

[1992]Battling for Baby Helen

[1992]The Bodyguard Debbie Reynolds

[1993]Heaven & Earth Eugenia

[1996]Wedding Bell Blues Debbie Reynolds

[1996]Mother Beatrice Henderson

[1997]In & Out Berniece Brackett

[1998]Zack and Reba Beulah Blanton

[1998]Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Movie Mrs. Claus / Mitzi - Rudolph's Mother / Mrs. Prancer - School Teacher - Voice

[1998]The Christmas Wish Ruth

[1998]Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas Debbie Reynolds

[1998]Halloweentown Aggie Cromwell

[1999]A Gift of Love: The Daniel Huffman Story Shirlee Allison

[2000]Rugrats in Paris Lulu Pickles - Voice

[2000]Virtual Mom Gwen

[2000]Rugrats: Acorn Nuts & Diapey Butts Lulu Johnson - Voice

[2001]These Old Broads Piper Grayson

[2001]Halloweentown II: Kalabar's Revenge Aggie Cromwell

[2002]Generation Gap

[2003]Tracey Ullman in the Trailer Tales

[2004]Halloweentown High Aggie Cromwell

[2004]Connie and Carla

[2004]Pryor Offenses

[2005]Return to Halloweentown Agatha Cromwell

[2008]Light of Olympia Queen - Voice

[2012]One for the Money Grandma Mazur

[2013]Behind the Candelabra Frances Liberace


Debbie Reynolds TV Shows

[ 1969-1970]The Debbie Reynolds Show Debbie Thompson

Pat Paulsen's Half a Comedy Hour Machine Gun Reynolds

Aloha Paradise Sydney Chase

Alice Felicia Blake

[ 1980-1983]The Love Boat Sheila Evans, Doris Talbot

Jennifer Slept Here Alice Farrell

Hotel Barbara Farrell

The Golden Girls Truby

Wings Deedee Chappel

Roseanne Audrey Conner

Touched by an Angel Betty Poplovich

[ 2000-2002]Rugrats Lulu Pickles, Lulu Johnston

First Monday Katherine Seldes

[ 1999-2006]Will & Grace Bobbi Adler

[ 2003-2007]Kim Possible Nana Possible

Family Guy Mrs. Wilson

The Penguins of Madagascar Snort About Mort Granny Squirrel

Kick Buttowski: Suburban Daredevil Mary Van Der Deth

The 7D Great-Great-Grandmommers Whimsical

Debbie Reynolds Videos

Debbie Reynolds News


How Often Have Parents and Children Appeared in the Same Broadway Show?

This time, the reader question was: Have parents and children appeared in the same Broadway show together, before Danny DeVito and Lucy DeVito in I Need That?

Actors Theatre Of Indiana Unveils Entertainment Line-up For GREATEST HITS VOLUME 2

Actors Theatre of Indiana presents ATI's Greatest Hits Volume 2, featuring powerful performances and fan favorites from past shows like NUNSENSE, WORKING, CABARET, SWEENEY TODD, GODSPELL, FOREVER PLAID, and MY FAIR LADY.

Feature: Debbie Reynolds Exhibition in Las Vegas City Hall Celebrates Her Life and Career

Debbie Reynolds is an iconic star who influenced the movies, Broadway, and Las Vegas. The Persona. The Person: Debbie Reynolds in Las Vegas celebrates her time in the glitz and glamour of the neon capital. The Neon Museum has curated and opened this exhibit to the public inside City Hall’s Grand Gallery through Oct. 26.

Review: SINGIN' IN THE RAIN at Shedley Theatre

The audience was enthusiastic in its laughter and applause,

Free Debbie Reynolds Exhibition From The Neon Museum Now Open in Las Vegas' City Hall

In partnership with Reynolds’ son Todd Fisher and the Debbie Reynolds Estate, this is the first exhibition The Neon Museum has curated. The display honors Reynolds’ Las Vegas legacy from 1962-2014 spanning her time performing at the Riviera, Desert Inn and South Point to owning the Debbie Reynolds Hollywood Hotel.

Interview: Bob Mackie talks THE ART OF BOB MACKIE at Provincetown Public Library

With a career in films, television, and stage spanning six decades, Bob Mackie had long secured his status as an iconic costume and fashion designer when he won his first Tony Award for Best Costume Design of a Musical for “The Cher Show” in 2019.

Debbie Reynolds' Vegas Years Spotlighted in New Free Exhibition From The Neon Museum

Experience the extraordinary life and career of Debbie Reynolds through a new free exhibition at The Neon Museum. Don't miss this exclusive showcase celebrating the iconic singer's remarkable legacy.

World Premiere of ULYSSES & More Set for Fisher Center at Bard 20th Anniversary Season This Fall

Discover the incredible lineup of shows and performances at the Fisher Center at Bard's 20th Anniversary Season. Immerse yourself in a diverse range of captivating performances that will leave you spellbound. Don't miss out on this extraordinary celebration of art and culture. Get your tickets now!

Cecily Strong, Mario Cantone, Jackie Hoffman And More Join CELEBRITY AUTOBIOGRAPHY On August 9

Celebrity Autobiography, the international hit comedy Broadway sensation and winner of the Drama Desk Award will return to NYC for two LIVE performances Wednesday, August 9 at 7pm and 9pm at the show's original home, The Triad (158 West 72nd St).

Review: SINGIN' IN THE RAIN at Trollwood Performing Arts School

What did our critic think of SINGIN' IN THE RAIN at Trollwood Performing Arts School?

Review: SINGING IN THE RAIN at Ogunquit Playhouse

What did our critic think of SINGING IN THE RAIN at Ogunquit Playhouse?

Interview: Janine LaManna of BLACK AND GOLD at The Green Room 42 June 10th

Saturday night, June 10th, at 7 pm, Janine LaManna will take the stage of The Green Room 42 to present the world premiere of BLACK & GOLD, with an encore on June 26th.

Review: Hannah Jane Brings WOMEN OF AN ERA To Chelsea Table + Stage

Hannah Jane's voice is gorgeous, one could listen to her all evening and not tire of it.

Photos: Go Inside The Hollywood Museum's Mother's Day Tribute to MOTION PICTURE MOTHERS

The Hollywood Museum played host to a spectacular photo exhibit, for Mother's Day to pay homage to the matriarchs of the MOTION PICTURE MOTHERS organization and the most celebrated working moms in entertainment with loving and amusing images with their families. Check out photos from the event here!

Schedule Announced For The 2023 CAPA Summer Movie Series At The Ohio Theatre, June 15- July 16

The CAPA Summer Movie Series, the longest-running classic film series in America, has announced the schedule for its 54th series of classic films and cult favorites. The 2023 series will run June 15-July 16 at the historic Ohio Theatre (39 E. State St.) and feature 19 films over five weeks.

THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF OUR NAME IS BARBRA Will Celebrate Streisand and Benefit Project Angel Food

Cabarabia Productions, Clifford Bell, Producer and Director will present a fundraiser benefiting Project Angel Food entitled, The 25th Anniversary of Our Name Is Barbra, A Musical Celebration of Barbra Streisand's Birthday on Sunday, May 7, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. at Catalina Jazz Club.

Interview: Erin Eppinette, Miriam Bennett, Issac Linnett, Braden Craig, And Susannah Linnett of SINGIN IN THE RAIN at Silvermoon Children's Theatre

I feel that the most important thing I do as a writer for Broadway World is assist theatres in cultivating excitement for the next generation of storytellers. Whether I am there to review a show, give feedback, or talk with the budding thespians, spotlighting their ideas and accomplishments brings me a lot of joy. As Whitney Houston once sang--'I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way.' I feel that Susannah Linnett, Executive Director at Silvermoon Children's Theatre, 217C W. Broad St., in Texarkana, is doing just that. Next weekend, April 27-29, their troupe will be performing SINGIN' IN THE RAIN. I was fortunate to watch a rehearsal before I sat down with the leads of the show. From what I saw, I am confident saying that this is going to be an incredible show. The cast is wonderful. They sound fantastic, and they work well as an ensemble. I am disappointed that I will not be able to see the final results of their hard work, but I feel blessed that I was able to chat with Erin Eppinette, Miriam Bennett, Isaac Linnett, and Braden Craig for a few minutes.

Interview: Janine LaManna Talks Starring in WOMAN OF THE YEAR at J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company

Read BroadwayWorld's interview with Janine LaManna, who is starring in Woman of the Year at J2 Spotlight Musical Theatre Company!

DANCE NOW Boston Returns To The Dance Complex in May

 DANCE NOW Boston arrives at The Dance Complex in Cambridge, MA for its 9th season  with two weekends of performances, May 13-14 and May 20-21. 

Interview: Fred Barton of THE ELENA BENNETT AND FRED BARTON SONG SALON at Pangea

Fred Barton and Elena Bennett bring their Song Salon back to Pangea!

Debbie Reynolds FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Debbie Reynolds has appeared on Broadway in 3 shows.

Debbie Reynolds has not appeared in the West End

Debbie Reynolds has been nominated for several awards throughout her career. She was nominated for Outstanding Actress in a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for her role in "Irene". Additionally, she received a nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards, also for her performance in "Irene". These nominations highlight her talent and recognition in the Broadway community.

Debbie Reynolds has won several awards for her performances in the Broadway musical "Irene." She received the Outstanding Actress in a Musical award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards and the Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical award from the Tony Awards for her role in "Irene."

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