Debra Monk - Actor Profile

Debra Monk

Acting
Updated: Apr 12, 2026
43Total Films
9.0 Highest Rated
Born: Feb 27, 1949
Birth Place: Middletown, Ohio, USA

About 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).

Debra Monk Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of Debra Monk reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 43 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

A large portion of Debra Monk's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.

Success Ratio

Approximately 35% of Debra Monk's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.

One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains My Favorite Broadway: The Leading Ladies, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best Debra Monk Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Debra Monk's career based on audience ratings.

Full Filmography

Every movie Debra Monk has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
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 (voice) 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 (voice) 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 →
1990 Women and Wallace Psychiatrist Flop 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 43 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".

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