Debra Messing reacted to the passing of feminist icon Gloria Steinem with a heartfelt comment, left on the official announcement of her death. The post was shared on Thursday, September 3, and Messing was among many celebrities who paid their respects.
Debra Messing Says Gloria Steinem Changed Her Life
Messing, beloved for her roles in “The Wedding Date,” “The Starter Wife,” and “Will & Grace,” wrote in the Instagram Post’s comment section: “Gloria you changed my life as a young girl. You taught me that women were worthy of equal respect, access, pay, everything. You changed the world, while having the kindest smile and warmest open heart. Thank you for your strength, rigor, discipline, ferocious passion, and grace. May your memory always be a blessing.”
Steinem died on Wednesday, September 2, one day before her death was announced publicly. She was 92 and passed away “peacefully at her home in New York City,” where she was surrounded by her loved ones, the statement reads. “Gloria’s near-century on earth were years well-lived, and she continued working for equality until the very end.”
The statement in honor of Steinem praised her for her ability to listen and “make others feel seen and heard.” It continued, “Her words, actions, and example gave people permission to be their truest selves. Gloria lived true to her independent spirit, always with curiosity and a great sense of humor. She spent her recent years doing the two things she loved most: being in community with others and writing.”
Gloria Steinem’s Life & Legacy
The last sentence urged fans to donate to Steinem’s foundation instead of purchasing flowers, which was her final wish. “In lieu of flowers, Gloria has asked that those wishing to honor her with a gift, may make a donation to Gloria’s Foundation,” the statement reads. Gloria’s Foundation is to preserve the New York City apartment Steinem had called home since the ‘60s.
The Gloria’s Foundation website describes this home as “the birthplace of countless ideas and organizations. From farm workers organizing for better wages to the first meetings for Ms. magazine, organizing is literally woven into Gloria’s home.”
It continues, “Gloria’s vision has always been for her home to remain what it has been: a gathering place, a respite for international organizers, and a safe place to work and rest. Gloria’s Foundation brings that vision to life, ensuring that Gloria’s home remains a permanent site for organizing, activating her archives to contribute to a more inclusive history, and creating programming that advances the feminist movement.”
Steinem was a beloved and influential figure who bettered the lives of so many people. She will be dearly missed. Among the celebrity tributes are those from Julianne Moore, Reese Witherspoon, Amy Schumer, Brooke Shields, Barbra Streisand, and Sandra Bullock.
Shields praised Steinem with a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. “Role model, mentor, inspiration, fighter, friend. You made women feel seen and helped them understand their value,” she wrote. “It was a huge blessing in my life to know you, to ruminate with you, to make you laugh, and to call you a friend. To honor you, may we all continue to fight for change. My heart hurts to say goodbye, but your impact and legacy will live on forever in all our hearts.”
