Unexpected Debra Messing: Grace, Grit, and Jewish Pride

In the premiere episode of And They’re Jewish, Hen Mazzig sits down with Emmy-winning actress and outspoken advocate Debra Messing for an intimate conversation about identity, courage, and being loudly, proudly Jewish in today’s world. From her iconic role in Will & Grace to her fearless activism, Debra shares the roots of her Jewish pride, the moments that shaped her voice, and why she refuses to stay silent.

Credit: Clip from Will & Grace, all rights reserved to © NBCUniversal

00:00 Introduction
00:58 Debra's Childhood in Rhode Island
02:00 Becoming Grace: Breaking Ground with Will & Grace
04:45 Speaking Up: Social Justice and Allyship
08:51 Being a Fashion Icon
10:14 Debra's New Projects
11:28 Being a Proud Jewish Woman
12:38 Barbra Streisand
14:22 That Persian Scene from Will & Grace
15:35 Message to Younger Jewish generation
17:48 Final Question: What Does 'And They're Jewish' Mean to you?

[kmarti]

I live one town over from where she grew up in Rhode Island. A few years ago, a beautiful synagogue was built in the town that she grew up in. So times have truly changed in the town.

[jadesmyspiritanimal]

I absolutely started watching Will & Grace because I felt safe having a non-apologetic, funny, beautiful Jewish voice in a sitcom. As a Gen Z, gay Israeli I thank Debra so much for all the advocacy she does for our land. I have never felt as reassured, as seen, and as entertained until I discovered Will & Grace. It has been one of my saving graces ;)

[ChronicallyReads]

Incredible first episode. THANK YOU. this means so much.

[ronitderovangorenstein]

I met her years ago back in Los Angeles in a big mall. She was gracious and sweet. So glad that she is an ally.

[mkangj]

So positive and sweet! Hen is a great interviewer and Debra Messing has so much light within her! Thank you for this episode!

[ozofri]

What Debra said about the war in Israel caught me off guard. I started crying. I love you Debb, and this video is so important. Thank you for this. Im an Israeli, by the way

[rabsharone]

You are a treasure, Debra Messing. I can't tell you how much I resonate with you and how utterely surprised/shocked/dismayed I was by the response of my interfaith colleagues (some Jewish as well) post Oct. 7--after working in the interfaith community for 35 years!!! Thank you, Debra.I too have been there for Black Lives Matter, Women's Marches, LGBTQ rallies and then had tol wonder why every platform to protect a minority always included an anti-Israel, pro-Palestsinian clause even when the rallies were not about the Middle East conflict. Gives us pause . . . Thank you, Debra, and Hen, and Shai and Sahar and Barak and all of the podcasters --and the brilliant Douglas Murray---that have helped us realize how widespread this phenomenon is. Every minority seems to be considered worthy of protecting except the Jews. Rabbi David Wolpe resigned from the committee established at Harvard to reverse the anti-Semitic trend on their campus because he found the administrators were not interested in truly going to the root of the problem and solving it at that level. Maybe God has hardened the hearts of our friends and colleagues as was done to Pharoah in days of old . . . .for a purpose yet unknown.

[jinsing]

Ah I loved this so much! Thank you for creating this great new series, Hen, and kol hakavod to you for having the divine Debra Messing as your inaugural guest! You are both inspirational. Am Yisrael Chai! 💙

[shsjs]

I am not Jewish but as the mother of two young boys, the Bibas family has made me a staunch supporter of Israel and the Jewish people. Thank you for speaking out with such grace! Fighting for change 🧡🇮🇱

[lucasb]

You know, I’ve waiting for Debra Messing to come to my place for three years now!!!

[giannavallefuoco]

Thank you! Beautiful and of vital importance!

[JamieHaDov]

When you said on October 7, they still didn’t stand up for us. It’s unfortunately worse. They actively stood up against us.

[zackslabs]

You're wonderful, keep smiling thank you for hours of nachas❤

[anthonydavid]

Debra, I'm Jewish, secular, gay, made a successful aliyah many decades ago and ... I grew up in Rhode Island!!!

[ScenariosOfDrea]

I love this can’t wait to see more !!!!

[terrydillon]

Love the Jewish people, so talented in music and other works of art. Thank you for sharing the gift of your wonderful talents with the world. Love you Debra.

[BrentSteele-xb]

Debra is an icon. So incredibly talented.

[KatieVyn]

Thank you, Hen, for these beautiful episodes with Jewish women I admire so much. 🫶🏼✡️

[jonathanrio]

Love her and thank her for all she has done and continues to do for the LGBT+ and Jewish communities!!!!

[Loveandpeaceforall]

Great series Henn. Thank you for all your public advocacy Deborah ❤