Richard Gere Is Not the Only Co-Star Debra Winger Infamously Feuded With Before Leaving Hollywood

Debra Winger, once one of Hollywood's highest-paid actresses in the early 1980s, shocked the industry when she walked away from her career at the age of 40.

Winger had achieved great success with three consecutive hit films – Urban Cowboy, An Officer and a Gentleman, and Terms of Endearment – and received three Oscar nominations.

However, even after almost four decades, the feud between Winger and one of her co-stars continues to captivate audiences.

Winger had developed a reputation for being difficult, which became evident during the production of An Officer and a Gentleman in 1982.

Despite receiving an Oscar nomination for her performance, Winger did not have kind words for her co-star Richard Gere and the film's director, Taylor Hackford.

She referred to Gere as a “brick wall” and Hackford as “an animal.”

In a 2002 interview with The Guardian, Winger admitted that there was a time when things were “not good” between her and Gere.

However, they eventually moved past it, and Winger questioned whether a man would have been labeled difficult for speaking his mind.

The most significant drama occurred on the set of Terms of Endearment in 1983.

Winger starred alongside Shirley MacLaine, portraying a daughter and mother with a tumultuous relationship.

The animosity between their characters spilled over into real life.

MacLaine, a seasoned Hollywood veteran, was unimpressed with Winger, who was a rising star at the time.

MacLaine recalled her initial reaction to Winger, not knowing who she was and being surprised by her unconventional appearance.

This clash of personalities set the tone for the entire shoot, with MacLaine seeing Winger as a provocative rebel.

In her autobiography released in 1995, My Lucky Stars, MacLaine revealed that Winger was demanding and would raise her voice on set.

MacLaine described an incident when Winger yelled at her to hit her marks.

Winger responded by turning around, walking away, lifting her skirt slightly, looking over her shoulder, bending over, and farting in MacLaine's face.

In a 2018 interview on Watch What Happens Live, Winger clarified that it was MacLaine who wrote about her in the autobiography, not the other way around.

However, she did admit that there was some truth to the passing gas story.

Despite their contentious relationship, both Winger and MacLaine received Oscar nominations for their performances in Terms of Endearment.

MacLaine ultimately won the award, declaring in her acceptance speech, “I deserve this!”

The film can now be streamed on Amazon Prime Video, allowing viewers to witness the on-screen chemistry born out of real-life conflict between the two talented actresses.

In conclusion, Debra Winger's feuds with Richard Gere and Shirley MacLaine have become legendary tales in Hollywood.

While her departure from the industry at the height of her success remains a mystery, the battles she fought with her co-stars continue to fascinate audiences.

Winger's outspoken nature and refusal to conform to Hollywood norms made her a unique figure in the entertainment industry.

Although her career may have been short-lived, her impact and legacy endure.