The Will & Grace Cast: 5 Shocking New Projects And 2025 Updates That Will Blow Your Mind
The iconic ensemble cast of the beloved NBC sitcom *Will & Grace* continues to redefine their careers, proving that life after a groundbreaking television series is anything but quiet. As of late December 2025, the four main actors—Eric McCormack, Debra Messing, Sean Hayes, and Megan Mullally—are actively involved in a diverse array of projects, ranging from gritty limited series and major motion pictures to new literary and stage endeavors, keeping them firmly in the spotlight.
The legacy of *Will & Grace*, which ran for eight seasons (1998–2006) and a three-season revival (2017–2020), cemented these actors as household names and Emmy Award-winners. Their current work demonstrates a conscious effort to challenge themselves with new roles, moving beyond the familiar confines of Will Truman, Grace Adler, Jack McFarland, and Karen Walker.
The Core Four: Complete Biography and Career Profiles
The success of *Will & Grace* is inseparable from the chemistry of its four leads, each a classically trained performer with a robust career spanning stage, film, and television. Here is a complete profile of the actors who brought the groundbreaking sitcom characters to life.
Eric McCormack (Will Truman)
- Birth Name: Eric James McCormack
- Born: April 18, 1963, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Career Highlights: Before landing the role of corporate lawyer Will Truman, McCormack gained recognition in Canadian theatre and on television shows like *Lonesome Dove: The Series*. Post-*Will & Grace*, he starred as Dr. Daniel Pierce in the TNT crime drama *Perception* (2012–2015) and appeared on Broadway. He is an accomplished actor, writer, producer, and musician.
- Awards: Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series (2001).
Debra Messing (Grace Adler)
- Birth Name: Debra Lynn Messing
- Born: August 15, 1968, in Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
- Career Highlights: A New York University's Tisch School of the Arts graduate, Messing is a classically trained stage, television, and film actress. Prior to playing the interior designer Grace Adler, she starred in the sci-fi series *Prey* and the series *Ned and Stacey*. Post-sitcom, she led the musical drama *Smash* and the procedural comedy *The Mysteries of Laura*. She is also a prominent political activist.
- Awards: Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series (2003).
Sean Hayes (Jack McFarland)
- Birth Name: Sean Patrick Hayes
- Born: June 26, 1970, in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, U.S.
- Career Highlights: Hayes initially worked as a composer and musical director in Chicago before moving to Los Angeles. His breakout role as the flamboyant and eccentric Jack McFarland earned him widespread acclaim. He has since produced numerous projects, including the hit podcast *SmartLess*, and has had notable roles in films like *The Cat in the Hat* and on Broadway in *Promises, Promises* and *Good Night, Oscar*.
- Awards: Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (2000).
Megan Mullally (Karen Walker)
- Birth Name: Megan Mullally
- Born: November 12, 1958, in Los Angeles, California, U.S.
- Career Highlights: Mullally is an American actress, comedian, and singer best known for her role as the boozy, pill-popping socialite Karen Walker. She has a strong theatre background and almost landed the role of Elaine Benes on *Seinfeld*. She has starred in *Childrens Hospital*, *Party Down*, and *Parks and Recreation* alongside her husband, Nick Offerman. She also fronts the band Nancy and Beth.
- Awards: Two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (2000, 2006).
The Shocking 2025 Career Shifts of the Will & Grace Stars
The cast’s recent projects highlight a deliberate move toward darker, more complex, and diverse roles, challenging the comedic typecasting that often follows a long-running sitcom. Here are the most significant and surprising updates from the *Will & Grace* ensemble in late 2025.
1. Eric McCormack's Double Dose of Dark Thrillers
Eric McCormack, forever known as the grounded Will Truman, is currently starring in two major thriller projects in 2025, showcasing his dramatic range.
The first is the limited series *Hell Motel*, from the creators of *Slasher*, which premiered its first two episodes on Shudder and AMC+ on June 17, 2025. This eight-episode series sees McCormack in a much darker, suspense-driven role.
His second major venture is the MGM+ original series *Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue*, which premiered on April 6, 2025. The show, which follows a group of strangers stranded in a remote location, has McCormack navigating a mysterious and intense narrative, far removed from the cozy New York apartment of the NBC sitcom.
2. Debra Messing Joins Robert De Niro in 'The Alto Knights'
Debra Messing, who played the vivacious Grace Adler, is making a significant return to the big screen with a starring role in the highly anticipated 2025 biography/crime/drama film, *The Alto Knights*.
Directed by Barry Levinson, the film also stars Robert De Niro and Cosmo Jarvis. Messing's involvement in a major crime drama is a notable pivot from her recent comedic and TV roles.
Furthermore, Messing is also involved in the 2025 documentary film *October 8 – The Fight for the Soul of America*, where she serves as a producer alongside director Wendy Sachs, underscoring her commitment to projects with social and political relevance.
3. Sean Hayes' New Literary and Stage Ventures
Sean Hayes, the master of physical comedy as Jack McFarland, is focusing on his work as a producer and author. His production company continues to find success, and he is expanding his literary footprint.
A new title, acquired by his Fern Press, is set to be published in the UK on July 24, 2025. This follows his previous works, including the picture book *Plum* and the young adult novel *Time Out*, showcasing his versatility as a writer.
Looking ahead, Hayes is also preparing for a limited 10-week run of his new one-man play, "The Unknown," which is set to debut Off-Broadway in January 2026, a move that highlights his deep roots in theatre.
The Enduring Legacy and Topical Authority of the Will & Grace Universe
The cultural impact of *Will & Grace* cannot be overstated. It was a pioneering series that brought openly gay characters into the mainstream, paving the way for countless other LGBTQ+ storylines on television. The show's topical authority extends beyond its main cast to the talented supporting actors and its groundbreaking themes.
Megan Mullally and the Offerman Connection
Megan Mullally, the Emmy-winning Karen Walker, continues to collaborate with her equally famous husband, Nick Offerman. The couple is set to appear together at Vivid Sydney 2025, bringing their unique, unscripted, and unfiltered dynamic to the stage in Australia.
Their public appearances and enduring marriage remain a subject of fascination for fans of both *Will & Grace* and Offerman's work on shows like *Parks and Recreation*. The couple is known for prioritizing family time, often taking a break from work during the festive season.
Remembering a Character Actor
The *Will & Grace* universe recently mourned the loss of Helen Siff, a beloved character actress who appeared on the show, as well as *Modern Family* and *Married... with Children*. Siff passed away at the age of 88 on December 22, 2025, and is remembered for her professionalism and genuine kindness.
The passing of Siff serves as a reminder of the vast ensemble of talented actors who contributed to the show’s success and the tight-knit community of Hollywood veterans.
The Enduring Appeal of the NBC Sitcom
The enduring popularity of the *Will & Grace* revival demonstrated that the audience's appetite for the characters' witty banter and complex friendships remains strong. The cast's current projects, from Eric McCormack's dramatic turns to Debra Messing's political activism and Sean Hayes' literary expansion, show them embracing new facets of their careers while honoring the legacy of the show that made them icons. The actors have successfully leveraged their fame from the groundbreaking sitcom to pursue a variety of passions, ensuring their relevance in the entertainment industry for years to come. Fans eagerly await the premiere of their new shows and films, confirming that the "Will & Grace actor" remains a powerful keyword in Hollywood.
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