Debra Wilson was born and raised in New York City in the neighborhood of Ozone Park, Queens.  Wilson attended the New York City High School of the Performing Arts.  After graduation, she continued her studies at Syracuse University.  Her acting debut was on the television pilot “The Apollo Comedy Hour.”  Following this success she became a series regular on “The Uptown Comedy Club” and co-hosted “Can We Shop?” with Joan Rivers.  Wilson was one of the original nine cast members of MADtv when the series debuted in 1995.  She was credited with creating some of the show’s most popular recurring characters.  Of her many characters, perhaps the stand out was the fast talking “Black American Princess” Bunifa Latifah Halifah Sharifa Jackson.  In addition, fans of the show will forever remember her brilliantly hilarious impersonations of Oprah Winfrey and Whitney Houston.  Wilson retired from MADtv as a repertory player in 2003.  At the time of her departure, she held the record for the longest serving MADtv cast member.  She has found acclaimed success post-MADtv, lending her multi-faceted voice to characters in films such as “Ice Age2: The Meltdown,” and “Over the Hedge,” with Bruce Willis.  Additionally, Wilson has done voice acting on numerous television shows, landing recurring roles on such shows as “Clone High,” “Family Guy,” and “The Mr. Potato Head Show.”  She has lent her enormous talent to several independent films, including, “Jane White is Sick and Twisted,” “Skin Deep,” and “Soulmates.”   In 2006, Wilson participated in VH1’s “Celebrity Paranormal Project,” where she was the first contestant to have a spirit attempt to possess her.  Wilson is a devout vegan and animal rights advocate.  She and her husband Cliff Skelton reside in Southern California with their pets.