
Debra Monk
ActingAbout Debra Monk
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Debra Monk (born February 27, 1949) is an American actress, singer, and writer, best known for her performances on the Broadway stage. Monk has received a Tony Award and Emmy Awards. Monk was born in Middletown, Ohio. She was voted "best personality" by the graduating class at Wheaton High School in Silver Spring,Maryland. She graduated from Frostburg State University in 1973. In 1975, Monk received a Master of Fine Arts degree from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. Monk garnered first attention in theatrical circles as one of the co-writers and co-stars of the 1982 musical Pump Boys and Dinettes. She has won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play for performance in Redwood Curtain (1993). She also was nominated an Tony Award for roles in Picnic (1994), Steel Pier (1997), and Curtains (2007). In 2000, she has won Obie Award for The Time of the Cuckoo. Monk has appeared in over 30 films as of early 1990s. She made her film debut in the movie version of Prelude to a Kiss, playing Aunt Dorothy. She later appeared in The Bridges of Madison County and The Devil's Advocate. On television, she has won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for recurring performance as Katie Sipowicz in the ABC series, NYPD Blue. She also guest-starred on Law & Order, Desperate Housewives, The Closer, and Girls. Monk had a recurring roles in A Nero Wolfe Mystery (2001-2002), Grey's Anatomy (2006-2011), and Damages (2007-2012).
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Debra Monk reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 42 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of Debra Monk's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 36% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Debra Monk remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in My Favorite Broadway: The Leading Ladies, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Debra Monk Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Debra Monk's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Debra Monk.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Hold | Virginia | Flop | Similar → |
| 2020 | Standing Up, Falling Down | Jeanie Rollins | Average | Similar → |
| 2016 | Drew | Hannah Gruen | Flop | Similar → |
| 2016 | Demolition | Davis' Mom | Hit | Similar → |
| 2014 | This Is Where I Leave You | Linda Callen | Hit | Similar → |
| 2012 | The Brass Teapot | Trudy | Average | Similar → |
| 2012 | One for the Money | Mrs. Plum | Average | Similar → |
| 2011 | Good Luck Charlie, It's Christmas! | Petunia | Hit | Similar → |
| 2010 | The Other Woman | Laura Greenleaf | Average | Similar → |
| 2008 | The Great Buck Howard | Doreen | Average | Similar → |
| 2007 | The Savages | Nancy Lachman | Hit | Similar → |
| 2005 | The Producers | Lick Me-Bite Me | Average | Similar → |
| 2005 | Dark Water | Young Dahlia's Teacher | Average | Similar → |
| 2005 | Palindromes | Mama Sunshine | Average | Similar → |
| 2003 | Eloise at Christmastime | Maggie the Carriage Driver | Average | Similar → |
| 2003 | Eloise at the Plaza | Maggie the Carriage Driver | Average | Similar → |
| 2003 | The Music Man | Mrs. Paroo | Average | Similar → |
| 2003 | Milwaukee, Minnesota | Edna Burroghs | Flop | Similar → |
| 2003 | Plain Dirty | Officer Avon | Flop | Similar → |
| 2000 | Center Stage | Nancy | Hit | Similar → |
| 1999 | My Favorite Broadway: The Leading Ladies | Self - Performer | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1999 | Knitwits Revisited | Catherine | Flop | Similar → |
| 1998 | Bulworth | Helen | Average | Similar → |
| 1997 | Ellen Foster | Aunt Nadine | Average | Similar → |
| 1997 | The Devil's Advocate | Pam Garrety | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | In & Out | Mrs. Lester | Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | Knitwits | Catherine | Flop | Similar → |
| 1996 | Extreme Measures | Dr. Judith Gruszynski | Average | Similar → |
| 1996 | The First Wives Club | Jilted Lover | Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | The Substance of Fire | Martha Hackett | Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | Mrs. Winterbourne | Lieutenant Ambrose | Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | Bed of Roses | Lewis' Mom | Average | Similar → |
| 1995 | Reckless | Therapist | Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | Jeffrey | Mom | Average | Similar → |
| 1995 | The Bridges of Madison County | Madge | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | Redwood Curtain | Geneva, Laird's Sister | Average | Similar → |
| 1995 | A Tribute to Stephen Sondheim | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1994 | Quiz Show | Kintner's Secretary | Hit | Similar → |
| 1993 | Fearless | Alison | Hit | Similar → |
| 1993 | For Love or Money | Mrs. Wegman | Average | Similar → |
| 1992 | Prelude to a Kiss | Aunt Dorothy | Average | Similar → |
| N/A | Summerhouse | Lois | Flop | Similar → |
Debra Monk - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Debra Monk?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Debra Monk is "My Favorite Broadway: The Leading Ladies" with a rating of 9.0/10.
How many movies has Debra Monk acted in?
Debra Monk has been featured in at least 42 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Debra Monk?
Other notable films include "The Bridges of Madison County", "The Devil's Advocate", and "Quiz Show".




