Debra Messing’s Los Angeles chapter ended on a high note when she sold her elegant Bel-Air mansion in just one month for $11.4 million.
The Will & Grace and Smash star had owned the 1937-built estate since purchasing it from actress Renée Zellweger for $7 million in 2003.
Designed by celebrated architect Paul R. Williams, the residence combined timeless sophistication with modern comforts—making it one of the area’s standout listings.
A Quick and Quiet Sale
Messing listed her 6,410-square-foot Bel-Air home in early 2013 for nearly $12 million. Within a month, a private buyer closed at $11.4 million, according to reports from The Los Angeles Times and The Hollywood Reporter.
Loren Judd of Coldwell Banker’s Beverly Hills North office represented the listing, while Scott Underwood of Meadowbrook Realty represented the buyer.
At the time, Messing had already relocated to New York City to film the NBC musical drama Smash, signaling the end of her long-time Los Angeles residency.
A Classic by Paul R. Williams
The property’s pedigree added to its allure. Designed in 1937 by Paul R. Williams—the first Black architect admitted to the American Institute of Architects—the traditional-style mansion showcased the elegance and grace synonymous with his work.
The home featured six bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and more than 6,400 square feet of living space.
Inside, large bay windows bathed the rooms in light, while a den, bar, and gym provided ample spaces for relaxation and entertaining.
The interiors had been tastefully updated while retaining their classic character, complemented by four fireplaces that added warmth throughout the home.
Elegant Grounds and Outdoor Living
The half-acre gated property offered privacy with its tall hedges and manicured landscaping.
A brick driveway led to the stately entrance, while the backyard featured a shimmering pool, cabana, and multiple lounging areas ideal for outdoor entertaining.
Williams’s architectural balance between formality and California ease was evident in every detail, from the symmetry of the façade to the harmonious flow between indoor and outdoor spaces.
From Renee Zellweger to Debra Messing
The home carried Hollywood lineage long before Messing’s ownership. In 2003, she purchased the estate from Oscar winner Renée Zellweger, marking its second connection to major television and film stars.
Messing lived there for nearly a decade with her then-husband, actor and producer Daniel Zelman, and their son Roman.
When Smash began production in New York, Messing transitioned her base to the East Coast, where she has since maintained her residence.
A Smash Success
Messing’s swift Bel-Air sale was widely regarded as a success, closing quickly and above her original 2003 purchase price.
The $11.4 million deal reflected both the home’s architectural value and its place in Los Angeles’s celebrity real estate landscape.
For Messing, the sale marked not just a profitable investment but also a clean transition into the next phase of her life and career—anchored firmly in New York City’s creative pulse.