Deborah Ann "Debbie" Harry (born July 1, 1945) is an American singer–songwriter and actress, most famous for being the lead singer for the New Wave band Blondie. She has also had success as a solo artist, and in the mid-1990s she also performed and recorded as part of The Jazz Passengers. Harry has also engaged in an acting career with over 30 film roles and several television appearances to her credit.

Life and early career

Harry is the daughter of Catherine and Richard Harry, who adopted her at age 3 months from Miami, Florida. Her parents are gift shop proprietors from Hawthorne, New Jersey.Deborah Harry Biography (1945-) Film Reference She attended Hawthorne High School, where she graduated in 1963.Rohan, Virginia. Harry also graduated from Centenary College."North Jersey-bred and talented too", The Record (Bergen County), June 18, 2007. Accessed June 25, 2007. "Debbie Harry: Class of 1963, Hawthorne High School" She graduated from Centenary College in Hackettstown, New Jersey with an Associate of Arts Degree in 1965. Before starting her singing career she moved to New York City in the late 1960s and worked as a secretary at BBC Radio's New York City office for one year. Later, she was a waitress at Max's Kansas City, and worked in a Dunkin' Donuts, after which she was a dancer in Union City, and a Playboy Bunny.