Debra Winger, the acclaimed and fiercely independent star of films like Terms of Endearment, An Officer and a Gentleman, and Urban Cowboy, has always been known for her intensity—both on screen and behind the scenes.

Now at 70, Winger remains as candid as ever, reflecting not just on her legacy, but also on the people in Hollywood she found impossible to work with.

Winger has never been the kind of actress to play nice for the sake of industry politics.

She didn’t shy away from walking off major projects or calling out high-profile collaborators, even in their prime.

Her disdain wasn’t limited to actors, but extended to directors and producers alike—some of whom helped shape the very films that defined her career.

In a recent interview, Winger opened up about some of the most contentious working relationships of her life—including names like Taylor Hackford, Geena Davis, James L. Brooks, and James Bridges—a list that has reignited conversation around her tumultuous time in Hollywood.

Taylor Hackford – “An Animal” Behind the Camera

Director Taylor Hackford earned acclaim for helming the romantic military drama An Officer and a Gentleman (1982), but the experience on set was anything but romantic for Debra Winger.

Hackford’s rigorous and demanding directorial style clashed with Winger’s own intense personality.

She later referred to him bluntly as “an animal,” criticizing what she perceived as his cold and aggressive methods.

Their tense relationship was mirrored by her dynamic with co-star Richard Gere, whom Winger described as acting like “a brick wall.”

In later interviews, Hackford admitted the set wasn’t warm, and co-star Louis Gossett Jr. confirmed that Winger and Gere “barely spoke” when cameras weren’t rolling.

The final product, however, became a critical and commercial success—earning Winger an Oscar nomination and further cementing her reputation as a no-nonsense leading lady.

Richard Gere – A Co-Star She Couldn’t Connect With

Her feud with Richard Gere became one of the most talked-about behind-the-scenes stories of early ’80s cinema.

Despite their on-screen chemistry, Winger famously declared that working with Gere was “like acting with a brick wall.”

Though Gere never publicly responded with animosity, Winger later softened slightly, admitting that her frustration may have stemmed from her own insecurities during production.

But the damage was done. The pair never worked together again, and their contentious dynamic became one of Hollywood’s most famous examples of “movie magic masking real-life tension.”

Geena Davis – The Final Straw on A League of Their Own

In 1992, Winger had been cast in what would become the beloved women’s baseball film A League of Their Own, a role she took seriously—training for three months with the Chicago Cubs’ baseball coach.

But when singer Madonna was added to the cast, Winger saw red.

She viewed Madonna’s presence as evidence that the film was becoming more of a gimmick than a serious portrayal of women athletes.

In protest, she walked away from the project, stating, “It became an Elvis movie… I don’t belong in that.”

Winger’s part was ultimately filled by Geena Davis, who delivered a performance now considered one of her best.

When asked about Davis years later, Winger gave a terse response: “She did okay.”

While she didn’t direct the same contempt at Davis as she did Hackford or Gere, the move effectively ended Winger’s relationship with big studio projects for years.

Shirley MacLaine – Clashes on Terms of Endearment

Winger’s role as Emma Greenway in James L. Brooks’ 1983 drama Terms of Endearment may have earned her a second Oscar nomination, but her off-screen battles with Shirley MacLaine, who played her mother, nearly stole the spotlight.

Stories from the set have become part of Hollywood folklore: Winger allegedly once passed gas in MacLaine’s direction during a confrontation. Despite—or perhaps because of—their combative dynamic, their onscreen performances were electric.

MacLaine would go on to win the Oscar for Best Actress that year, with Winger graciously applauding from her seat.

But neither woman minced words in the years that followed, with MacLaine describing Winger as “difficult” and “emotional,” while Winger quipped that MacLaine had “a black belt in passive aggression.”

James L. Brooks – Creative Genius, Creative Conflict

As the director of Terms of Endearment, James L. Brooks was responsible for one of Winger’s most defining performances.

Yet their collaboration was short-lived. Despite the critical acclaim of their project together, Winger turned down the lead in Brooks’ next major film, Broadcast News, due to her pregnancy.

Although Winger has never publicly expressed the same contempt for Brooks as she has for others, sources close to the production described the Terms of Endearment shoot as “tense and turbulent,” with Brooks having to navigate the emotional landmines between his two female leads.

To this day, Terms of Endearment stands as one of Winger’s greatest achievements—proving that creative tension, however unpleasant, can sometimes produce cinematic gold.

James Bridges – A Quieter Chapter

While not as publicly dramatic as some of her other relationships, Winger’s work with director James Bridges on Urban Cowboy (1980) helped launch her into stardom.

Paired with John Travolta, Winger’s raw, gritty performance stood out in what could have been a standard romantic drama.

There’s little evidence of animosity between Winger and Bridges, and in fact, the two appeared to work well together.

Bridges was known for his quiet direction and sensitivity, perhaps the kind of filmmaker Winger appreciated—though she never spoke extensively about him.

That silence, in Winger’s case, may be a sign of respect.

Winger’s Hollywood career was defined not just by her talent, but by her refusal to conform to the unspoken rules of the industry.

She turned down roles that most actors would have begged for (Flashdance, Ghost, A League of Their Own) and wasn’t afraid to criticize powerful figures publicly.

This outspokenness may have cost her more roles, but it also helped build her reputation as a fiercely principled artist who chose depth over diplomacy. In the male-dominated world of 1980s and ’90s cinema, she pushed back—often hard—against anyone she felt wasn’t up to the same standards she held herself to.

Legacy at 70: Still Uncompromising

Now at 70, Winger looks back with a mix of humor and clarity. “I don’t regret speaking my mind,” she said in a recent interview. “I regret that it surprised people so much.”

She may not be the most beloved person in every Hollywood circle, but for audiences and filmmakers who value authenticity, few actors are as deeply respected.

Her legacy is one of fierce intelligence, boundless talent, and an unwillingness to play along—qualities that made her difficult to work with, perhaps, but also unforgettable.