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Will & Grace debuted in 1998 and it became a huge success. The intelligent writing and brilliant comedy made it a favorite of television viewers for eight seasons. The first run of the show ended in 2006. The sitcom featured openly gay characters in its main cast. After Ellen DeGeneres’ coming out episode of her sitcom just a year earlier, the success of this show was a big deal.
In 2017, the series was brought back for a reboot. It brought the total amount of seasons to 11 and proved that people still loved the show. The show won big at the Emmy Awards and made history with its gay representation. Its cast has also been a huge part of the show’s success. Many wonder what they’re doing now that the series is over.
Let’s find out.
8/8 Debra Messing
Debra Messing played the character of Grace Adler on the show. She was the butt of many jokes, often at the hand of the other characters. Her misfortune often made for great comedy and gave viewers a chance to see the heart of her friendship with Will. Since the end of the first run of the series, Messing starred in several films. Her most recent appearance was a cameo as herself in the Billy Eichner film Bros.
7/8 Eric McCormack
Eric McCormack played the role of Will Truman, an openly gay single man living with his best friend. His character was often highly strung and nitpicky. He was also the emotional anchor for Grace. The character was a big step forward in gay male representation in American sitcoms, even though McCormack himself is straight. After the first run of the show, McCormack starred in another series, Perception, which ran for three seasons. He also guest-starred on The Mysteries of Laura, which also starred Debra Messing.
6/8 Sean Hayes
Sean Hayes played the character Jack McFarland. The character was extremely extroverted and very flamboyant. Jack brought a lot of energy and fun to whatever situation he happened to find himself in. He also served as the opposite of Will’s character. Often times, the two would butt heads, but also genuinely bond in many sweet moments. Hayes co-created the television company Hazy Mills Productions, and executive produced the sitcom Hot In Cleveland. He also created a comedy podcast, SmartLess, with Will Arnett and Jason Bateman in 2020.
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5/8 Megan Mullally
Megan Mullally played the character Karen Walker, a wise-cracking rich woman who worked as Grace’s assistant. Her character always had some subtle (or not-so-subtle) dig to throw at Grace. She was also friends with Jack and their dynamic always resulted in huge laughs. Following the show’s first run, Mullally had her own talk show, The Megan Mullally Show, which ran from 2006 to 2007. She also starred in the Broadway musical adaptation of the Mel Brooks classic, Young Frankenstein.
4/8 Shelley Morrison
Shelley Morrison played the role of Rosario Salazar. Rosario was Karen’s maid and their dynamic was so much fun to watch. Karen would always insult Rosario, only for Rosario to make a brilliantly hilarious comeback every time. The character was initially only supposed to be in one episode. However, she was so popular with viewers that Rosario became a recurring character. Morrison voiced the character of Lola in the animated film Foodfight! in 2011. She passed away at 83 of heart failure after a brief illness in 2019.
Bobby Cannavale appeared in Will & Grace in a recurring guest role as Vince D’Angelo. Vinnie started as Will’s boyfriend and the two eventually got married toward the end of the first run of the series. However, in the reboot, Vinnie and Will are revealed to not be married. Thanks to his role in the series, Cannavale won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series in 2005. Cannavale appeared with his partner Rose Byrne in the play Medea in 2020. In 2021, he appeared in the miniseries Nine Perfect Strangers on Hulu.
2/8 Leslie Jordan
Leslie Jordan played the role of Beverley Leslie, Karen’s rival. Jordan and Mullally were a comedic powerhouse whenever they did a scene together. Jordan’s role was a beloved one and audiences always knew they were in for some serious laughs whenever he showed up. Jordan continued to appear on television and film after the series ended. He was a housemate on the 14th season of the British version of Celebrity Big Brother. He also starred in the sitcom Call Me Kat with Mayim Bialik. This would be his last role. Jordan passed away in a car accident in October 2022. He was 67 years old.
1/8 Harry Connick Jr.
Harry Connick Jr. played the role of Leo Markus. Leo was Grace’s boyfriend and husband later on in the series. His stint on the sitcom lasted from 2002 to 2006. Connick didn’t appear in the reboot of the series, however. He is a multi-talented singer in addition to his acting. Connick continued to release albums after his time on Will & Grace came to an end. He appeared as a judge on the popular show American Idol. He starred alongside Renée Zellweger in the romantic comedy New in Town. He also appeared in both the first Dolphin Tale film and its sequel.
