'Will & Grace' Cast Then and Now: Evolution of NBC sitcom's stars through the years
'Will & Grace' Cast Then and Now: The journey of NBC's Emmy-winning sitcom's stars through the years
It's been a quarter of a century since the heart-warming series 'Will & Grace' first aired on NBC. Debra Messing, Eric McCormack, Sean Hayes and Megan Mullally quickly became household names and captivated audiences with their incredible chemistry. In nearly 200 episodes, the show was instrumental in shining a better light on gay characters and portraying friendships and relationships with authenticity and humor. Let's take a moment to catch up with the beloved cast and celebrate their journey.
Eric McCormack as Will Truman
Before becoming Will in 'Will & Grace', Eric McCormack had a decades-long career in television and film. After initial hesitation, he later accepted the role and became an LGBTQ+ role model. After winning an Emmy in 2001, he continued acting, hosted a podcast and continued working in television and Broadway. He has been married to Janet Holden since 1997, with whom he has a son. In recent news, McCormack and his wife Janet Holden have filed for divorce after over 26 years of marriage. The couple, who have a 21-year-old son named Finnigan Ho Holden McCormack, are navigating this significant life change as per Daily Mail.
Debra Messing as Grace Adler
After smaller TV roles, Debra Messing had her breakthrough as Grace in 'Will & Grace'. Success followed, earning her five Emmy nominations and a win in 2003, as well as a Screen Actors Guild Award. After the series, she starred in films such as 'The Wedding Date' and 'Lucky You' as well as television series such as 'The Starter Wife', 'Smas' and 'The Mysteries of Laura'. Messing, 55, has also appeared on Broadway and has reunited with her cast for the 2017-2020 revival of 'Will & Grace'. She shares one child, a son, with her ex Daniel Zelman.
Sean Hayes as Jack McFarland
Sean Hayes, like his co-stars, had modest roles before playing Jack, the struggling actor and friend of Will, in 'Will & Grace'. Reflecting on the show's impact on LGBTQ+ awareness, he expressed his pride in raising awareness. Remarkably, he received seven consecutive Emmy nominations, one win and four Screen Actors Guild Awards. After the series, he ventured into TV and movie roles, including 'Win a Date with Tad Hamilton' and 'Sean Saves the World Stage'. Success followed, culminating in a Tony Award for 'Good Night, Oscar' in 2023. Hayes, 53, married music producer Scott Icenogle in 2014 and celebrated their union after eight years.
Megan Mullally as Karen Walker
Transitioning from roles in 'The Ellen Burstyn Show' and 'Rachel Gunn, RN', and portraying Marty in Broadway's 'Grease', Megan Mullally made her mark as the flamboyant Karen, friend to Jack and assistant to Grace. Initially auditioning for Grace, she embraced the scene-stealing character. After 'Will & Grace', Mullally remained dynamic, gracing Broadway again in 'Young Frankenstein' and 'It's Only a Play'. Her TV repertoire expanded with appearances on shows like 'Party Down', 'Bob's Burgers', 'The Great North', 'Children's Hospital', and her husband Nick Offerman's 'Parks and Recreation'. Mullally, 64, rejoined the 'Will & Grace' revival in 2017, securing another Emmy nod.
Shelley Morrison as Rosario Salazar
Before her role as Karen's comedic housekeeper, Rosario, on 'Will & Grace', Shelley Morrison had a notable television career, including 'The Flying Nun'. In a 2013 interview, Morrison highlighted the significance of the show, calling it "lightning in a bottle" and expressing the camaraderie among the cast. While she voiced a character in 'Handy Manny', Morrison didn't pursue extensive acting post-'Will & Grace' and retired before the series revival. Sadly, she died on December 1, 2019, at the age of 83.
Harry Connick Jr as Leo Markus
Harry Connick Jr, a seasoned star in acting and music, joined 'Will & Grace' in 2002 as Dr Leo Markus, later becoming Grace's husband. Post-show, he judged American Idol, hosted his talk show, and remained active in music. He returned for the revival and played Daddy Warbucks in 'Annie Live!' Connick Jr earned Tony nominations for Broadway roles. Connick is married to Jill Goodacre for nearly 30 years and together they have three daughters.