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Debbie Reynolds

Birth Place: El Paso, TX, USA

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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.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

Woman of the Year
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1981
Tess Harding [Replacement]
[Replacement]
Debbie
[Broadway]
Concert [Broadway], 1976
Performer
Irene
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1973
Irene O'Dare
Annie Get Your Gun
[US Tour]
West Coast Revival, 1977
Annie Oakley

Movies

The Daughter of Rosie O'Grady
[ 1950 ] Maureen O'Grady
Three Little Words
[ 1950 ] Helen Kane
Two Weeks with Love
[ 1950 ] Melba Robinson
You Belong to My Heart
[ 1951 ] Gwen
24th Annual Academy Awards
[ 1952 ] Self - Audience Member
Singin' in the Rain
[ 1952 ] Kathy Selden
Give a Girl a Break
[ 1953 ] Suzy Doolittle
I Love Melvin
[ 1953 ] Judy Schneider / Judy LeRoy
The Affairs of Dobie Gillis
[ 1953 ] Pansy Hammer
A Star Is Born World Premiere
[ 1954 ]
Athena
[ 1954 ] Minerva Mulvain
Susan Slept Here
[ 1954 ] Susan Beaurgard Landis
Hit the Deck
[ 1955 ] Carol Pace
The Tender Trap
[ 1955 ] Julie Gillis
Atlantic City Holiday
[ 1956 ]
Bundle of Joy
[ 1956 ] Polly Parish
The Catered Affair
[ 1956 ] Jane Hurley
Tammy
[ 1957 ] Tammy
This Happy Feeling
[ 1958 ] Janet Blake
It Started with a Kiss
[ 1959 ] Maggie Putnam
Say One for Me
[ 1959 ] Holly LeMaise aka Conroy
The Gazebo
[ 1959 ] Nell Nash
The Mating Game
[ 1959 ] Mariette Larkin
A Date with Debbie
[ 1960 ] Self - Host
Pepe
[ 1960 ] Debbie Reynolds
The Rat Race
[ 1960 ] Peggy Brown
The Pleasure of His Company
[ 1961 ] Jessica Poole
The Second Time Around
[ 1961 ] Lucretia 'Lu' Rogers
How the West Was Won
[ 1962 ] Lilith Prescott
Mary, Mary
[ 1963 ] Mary McKellaway
My Six Loves
[ 1963 ] Janice Courtney
Goodbye Charlie
[ 1964 ] Charlie Sorel / Virginia Mason
The Unsinkable Molly Brown
[ 1964 ] Molly Brown
The Singing Nun
[ 1966 ] Sister Ann
Divorce American Style
[ 1967 ] Barbara Harmon
How Sweet It Is!
[ 1968 ] Jenny
Debbie Reynolds and the Sound of Children
[ 1969 ] Debbie Reynolds
What's the Matter with Helen?
[ 1971 ] Adelle
Charlotte's Web
[ 1973 ] Charlotte - Voice
Leapin' Lizards, It's Liberace!
[ 1978 ]
Sadie and Son
[ 1987 ] Sadie
Kiki's Delivery Service
[ 1989 ] Madame - Voice
Perry Mason: The Case of the Musical Murder
[ 1989 ] Amanda Cody
The Malibu Beach Vampires
[ 1991 ]
Battling for Baby
[ 1992 ] Helen
The Bodyguard
[ 1992 ] Debbie Reynolds
Heaven & Earth
[ 1993 ] Eugenia
Mother
[ 1996 ] Beatrice Henderson
Wedding Bell Blues
[ 1996 ] Debbie Reynolds
In & Out
[ 1997 ] Berniece Brackett
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
[ 1998 ] Debbie Reynolds
Halloweentown
[ 1998 ] Aggie Cromwell
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Movie
[ 1998 ] Mrs. Claus / Mitzi - Rudolph's Mother / Mrs. Prancer - School Teacher - Voice
The Christmas Wish
[ 1998 ] Ruth
Zack and Reba
[ 1998 ] Beulah Blanton
A Gift of Love: The Daniel Huffman Story
[ 1999 ] Shirlee Allison
Rugrats in Paris
[ 2000 ] Lulu Pickles - Voice
Rugrats: Acorn Nuts & Diapey Butts
[ 2000 ] Lulu Johnson - Voice
Virtual Mom
[ 2000 ] Gwen
Halloweentown II: Kalabar's Revenge
[ 2001 ] Aggie Cromwell
These Old Broads
[ 2001 ] Piper Grayson
Generation Gap
[ 2002 ]
Tracey Ullman in the Trailer Tales
[ 2003 ]
Connie and Carla
[ 2004 ]
Halloweentown High
[ 2004 ] Aggie Cromwell
Pryor Offenses
[ 2004 ]
Return to Halloweentown
[ 2005 ] Agatha Cromwell
Light of Olympia
[ 2008 ] Queen - Voice
One for the Money
[ 2012 ] Grandma Mazur
Behind the Candelabra
[ 2013 ] Frances Liberace

TV Shows

Pat Paulsen's Half a Comedy Hour
Machine Gun Reynolds
The Debbie Reynolds Show
[ 1969-1970 ] Debbie Thompson
Aloha Paradise
Sydney Chase
Alice
Felicia Blake
Jennifer Slept Here
Alice Farrell
The Love Boat
[ 1980-1983 ] Sheila Evans, Doris Talbot
Hotel
Barbara Farrell
The Golden Girls
Truby
Wings
Deedee Chappel
Roseanne
Audrey Conner
Touched by an Angel
Betty Poplovich
First Monday
Katherine Seldes
Rugrats
[ 2000-2002 ] Lulu Pickles, Lulu Johnston
Will & Grace
[ 1999-2006 ] Bobbi Adler
Kim Possible
[ 2003-2007 ] 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

Awards and Nominations


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1973 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical

Debbie Reynolds, Irene

Tony Awards - 1973 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical

Debbie Reynolds, Irene

Videos

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News


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Vanessa Williams, Tony Danza and More to Perform at 54 Below in February
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 30, 2026

Next month, 54 Below, Broadway’s Supper Club & Private Event Destination, will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond, including Vanessa Williams, Tony Danza and more. 
Stefanie Powers and Patrick Wayne Reunite for LOVE LETTERS Benefit Performance at El Photo
Stefanie Powers and Patrick Wayne Reunite for LOVE LETTERS Benefit Performance at El Portal Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Jan 15, 2026

Stefanie Powers, best known for “The Girl From U.N.C.L.E.”, 'Hart to Hart,” and Disney’s “ Herbie Rides Again,' reunited with McLintock co-star, Patrick Wayne (Son of actor John Wayne) for a one night only benefit performance of “LOVE LETTERS.”  
Ellen Grace Diehl To Make 54 Below Debut With SINGIN’ IN A RAINSTORM: A DEBBIE REYN Photo
Ellen Grace Diehl To Make 54 Below Debut With SINGIN’ IN A RAINSTORM: A DEBBIE REYNOLDS STORY
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 7, 2026

Ellen Grace Diehl will make her 54 Below debut with Singin’ in a Rainstorm: A Debbie Reynolds Story, a solo cabaret exploring the life and career of the film star. The performance blends storytelling with songs associated with Reynolds’ legacy.
Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS to be Presented at El Portal Theatre Photo
Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS to be Presented at El Portal Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 12, 2025

El Portal Theatre will present Irving Berlin’s White Christmas on the Debbie Reynolds Mainstage, for six performances only.
Stefanie Powers And Patrick Wayne Will Reunite For One-Night Performance Of LOVE LETT Photo
Stefanie Powers And Patrick Wayne Will Reunite For One-Night Performance Of LOVE LETTERS at the El Portal Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 3, 2025

Stefanie Powers and Patrick Wayne will reunite for a one-night performance of Love Letters on January 11, 2026 at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood. The event will benefit the William Holden Wildlife Foundation, which Powers founded in 1982.
Ryan Graham Hinds to Make UK Debut In LANDING IN LONDON At The Crazy Coqs Photo
Ryan Graham Hinds to Make UK Debut In LANDING IN LONDON At The Crazy Coqs
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 25, 2025

Canadian theatre and cabaret star Ryan Graham Hinds is landing at The Crazy Coqs for a fabulous UK debut! Ryan shares what prompted a move to a new country and a new life in London.
Juanita Lolita, Stephen Henry and More to Perform Stand-Up at Florida Rep Photo
Juanita Lolita, Stephen Henry and More to Perform Stand-Up at Florida Rep
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 17, 2025

Florida Rep's stand-up comedy nights return with comedian headliners from The Comedy Zone performing from 7:00 – 9:00 PM on select Fridays in Florida Rep's intimate Bunch Performance Hall.
Barbara Eden And Hal Linden To Star In A.R. Gurney’s LOVE LETTERS At El Portal Thea Photo
Barbara Eden And Hal Linden To Star In A.R. Gurney’s LOVE LETTERS At El Portal Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 7, 2025

El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood will present a one-night-only performance of A.R. Gurney’s Love Letters, starring Barbara Eden and Hal Linden, on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 7 p.m.
Town Hall Theater Launches THE HOLLYWOOD MUSICAL A Four-Part Class & Movie Experience Photo
Town Hall Theater Launches THE HOLLYWOOD MUSICAL A Four-Part Class & Movie Experience
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 24, 2025

Town Hall Theater in Middlebury will run The Hollywood Musical, a four-part class and movie series led by Doug Anderson, Mondays Oct 27–Nov 24 at 7 p.m. on the Rothrock Mainstage.
RAGTIME Comes to El Portal Theatre Photo
RAGTIME Comes to El Portal Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Sep 10, 2025

El Portal Theatre has announced the Tony Award winning musical RAGTIME on the Debbie Reynolds Mainstage at the historic El Portal Theatre in the heart of the NOHO Arts District.
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by James Lindhorst - Sep 7, 2025

The musical Raisin, currently on stage at The Black Rep, is based on Lorraine Hansberry's 1950’s drama A Raisin in the Sun. The story tells of three generations of the Younger family sharing a cramped inner-city apartment on Chicago’s southside.
Review: SINGIN' THE RAIN at The Granbury Theater Photo
Review: SINGIN' THE RAIN at The Granbury Theater
by Pati Buehler - Sep 3, 2025

This 'feel good' gem of a 1950's movie musical directed & choreographed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen, starring Kelly, Donald O'Connor and Debbie Reynolds, featuring Jean Hagen & Rita Moreno & Cyd Charisse, to name a few icons.
Previews: THE ROOST REVIEW at The Roost Photo
Previews: THE ROOST REVIEW at The Roost
by Kay Kudukis - Jul 31, 2025

This summer, The Roost Lounge introduces a bold new addition to its entertainment lineup: The Roost Revue, a cabaret series curated and hosted by acclaimed local performer Jason Mannino. Blending song, story, and spark, The Roost Revue will showcase stellar talent from across the Coachella Valley and beyond in an intimate, dynamic setting.
Previews: BONNIE G: TORCH SONG WITH A TWIST at Palm Springs Cultural Center Photo
Previews: BONNIE G: TORCH SONG WITH A TWIST at Palm Springs Cultural Center
by Kay Kudukis - Jul 29, 2025

Local celebrity Bonnie Gilgallon (Bonnie G) is the fourth and final performer for the Doug Graham produced shows Cabaret A LA Carte with “Torch Songs with a Twist” at the newly transformed stage two at Palm Springs Cultural Center this Friday, August 1, 2025 with Kevin Tokarz as Musical Director. 
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CELEBRITY AUTOBIOGRAPHY Returns to Guild Hall for One Night Only This July
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 15, 2025

The internationally acclaimed comedy sensation Celebrity Autobiography will return to Guild Hall for one night only on Saturday, July 26, 2025, with two performances at 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM.
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Video: Look Back on Chita Rivera Singing 'Buenos Aires' From EVITA in Throwback Performance
by Michael Major - Jul 7, 2025

Take a look back on Chita Rivera performing 'Buenos Aires' from Evita in a throwback video! The video is from the 1982 television special, Broadway Plays Washington on Kennedy Center Tonight.
Westport Country Playhouse's Classic Film Series to Continue with SINGIN' IN THE RAIN Photo
Westport Country Playhouse's Classic Film Series to Continue with SINGIN' IN THE RAIN
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 3, 2025

Westport Country Playhouse’s classic film series will present “Singin’ in the Rain,” the iconic musical from 1952 that celebrates the magic of the silver screen. Learn how to attend.
Westport Country Playhouse Launches Classic Film Series with ROMAN HOLIDAY Photo
Westport Country Playhouse Launches Classic Film Series with ROMAN HOLIDAY
by A.A. Cristi - May 28, 2025

Westport Country Playhouse will bring movies to town with the launch of a classic film series, beginning with the 1953 romantic comedy, “Roman Holiday,” starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, on Wednesday, June 18, at 7 p.m.
THE TENDER TRAP Comes to The Edge Off-Broadway Theater Photo
THE TENDER TRAP Comes to The Edge Off-Broadway Theater
by Stephi Wild - May 21, 2025

After their 2024 debut Women Beware Women, Blue in the Right Way will present its second production, a reimagining of Max Shulman and Robert Paul Smith's THE TENDER TRAP, directed by Kevin V. Smith.
HERE'S TO LIFE! A CELEBRATION OF CLIFFORD BELL is Coming to Catalina Jazz Club Photo
HERE'S TO LIFE! A CELEBRATION OF CLIFFORD BELL is Coming to Catalina Jazz Club
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 19, 2025

Here's to Life! A Celebration of Clifford Bell will be held at Catalina Jazz Club in Los Angeles in June. Learn more about the performance and see how to purchase tickets.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Debbie Reynolds been in?

Debbie Reynolds has appeared on Broadway in 3 shows.

How many West End shows has Debbie Reynolds been in?

Debbie Reynolds has not appeared in the West End

What awards has Debbie Reynolds been nominated for?

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.

What awards has Debbie Reynolds won?

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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