Debra Messing on Her 40th Birthday Surprise

Bauer Griffin

Turning 40 wasn’t a cause for celebration for Debra Messing, but her 4 ½-year-old son Roman Walker viewed the big day quite differently. During a recent appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman, Debra recalled that she had been enjoying a "low-key" birthday, with no real plans to celebrate, when she went to pick Roman up from a gymnasium he had been visiting with his preschool class. When everyone she encountered went out of their way to wish her a Happy 40th Birthday, Debra said she was intrigued — and more than a little confused!

"Apparently my son, when he walked in, said to every single person he met, ‘Today’s my mommy’s birthday! It’s a big one! It’s 40!’"

Her family — which includes husband Daniel Zelman — recently relocated to New York, and the move has been a happy one for Roman who "loves animals" and "just wants to go straight to the zoo," Debra told Live with Regis and Kelly. She also revealed that the couple were looking for a "strong" name when they decided upon Roman. "Even before we were talking about getting pregnant we were just walking around Cape Cod, talking about ‘If we ever…’ and that was just a name that popped up into my head, and it survived," Debra shared.

Debra’s new original series The Starter Wife airs Friday at 9 p.m. on USA.

Sources: The Late Show with David Letterman and Live with Regis and Kelly

Comments

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- ultrasound gel on October 9th, 2008

Her family — which includes husband Daniel Zelman — recently relocated to New York, and the move has been a happy one for Roman who “loves animals” and “just wants to go straight to the zoo

- ultrasound gel on October 9th, 2008

Debra looks great for 40 and she seems like a good mom

- brooke on October 9th, 2008

I did the same thing to my mom when she turned 40! I was 2 and turned to our neighbor and said “Mommy is old now” (My dad had been joking around and telling her that) She was embarrassed but also though it was hilarious. Debra seems like a great mom, and DOESN’T look 40 at all

- Sarah on October 10th, 2008

ha thats funny

- Kelly on October 10th, 2008

that’s one of the cutest stories I’ve heard

- julie on October 10th, 2008

I spoiled several parties in my younger days. When I was 2.5, I met my Dad at the garage door on his birthday and said “Happy Birthday Dad! We got you a tie and some M&Ms.” It has been more than 25 years and it is still a favorite family story.

- Susan on October 10th, 2008

What a cute story! We don’t hear enough from Debra anymore.

- Brandi on October 10th, 2008