Debbie Reynolds was a performer.
Mary Frances `` Debbie '' Reynolds ( April 1 , 1932 -- December 28 , 2016 ) was an American actress , singer , businesswoman , film historian , humanitarian , and mother of the actress and writer Carrie Fisher . Other successes include The Affairs of Dobie Gillis ( 1953 ) , Susan Slept Here ( 1954 ) , Bundle of Joy ( 1956 Golden Globe nomination ) , The Catered Affair ( 1956 National Board of Review Best Supporting Actress Winner ) , and Tammy and the Bachelor ( 1957 ) , in which her performance of the song `` Tammy '' reached number one on the Billboard music charts . ( 1971 ) , Charlotte 's Web ( 1973 ) , Mother ( 1996 ) ( Golden Globe nomination ) , and In & Out ( 1997 ) . She was also nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award for her performance in A Gift of Love ( 1999 ) and an Emmy Award for playing Grace 's mother Bobbi on Will & Grace . The Mating Game ( 1959 ) is an MGM Metrocolor film in CinemaScope directed by George Marshall and starring Debbie Reynolds , Tony Randall , and Paul Douglas in his final screen appearance .