 She was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Most Promising Newcomer for her portrayal of Helen Kane in the 1950 film "Three Little Words", and her breakout role was her first leading role, as Kathy Selden in "Singin' in the Rain" (1952).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.In 1959, she released her first pop music album, titled "Debbie".