The Fab Four: Where Are The Stars Of Will & Grace Now? (2025 Updates)

The iconic quartet from Will & Grace—Eric McCormack, Debra Messing, Sean Hayes, and Megan Mullally—remains one of television's most beloved ensembles, known for their groundbreaking comedy and cultural impact. While the revival series concluded in 2020, the careers of these four Emmy-winning actors have been anything but quiet, with each star tackling new, diverse, and high-profile projects across film, stage, and podcasting in late 2024 and heading into 2025. This article dives into the latest, most current updates on where the stars are now, revealing their newest roles and the legacy they continue to build.

The original run of Will & Grace (1998–2006) and its successful revival (2017–2020) cemented the show’s place as a cultural touchstone, pioneering LGBTQ+ representation on primetime network television. Today, the "Fab Four" are proving their versatility, moving from the comfort of the sitcom stage to dramatic thrillers, one-man shows, and major hosting gigs, ensuring their presence in the entertainment world remains as vibrant as their on-screen chemistry.

The Complete Biography and Profile of the Core Cast

The success of Will & Grace was built on the undeniable talent and chemistry of its four leads. Here is a quick look at the vital statistics for the stars who brought Will, Grace, Jack, and Karen to life.

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• Eric McCormack (Will Truman)
  • Birth Name: Eric James McCormack
  • Born: April 18, 1963
  • Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  • Role on Show: Will Truman, a successful gay lawyer and Grace's best friend.
  • Key Awards: Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series.
• Debra Messing (Grace Adler)
  • Birth Name: Debra Lynn Messing
  • Born: August 15, 1968
  • Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, United States
  • Role on Show: Grace Adler, an interior designer and Will's best friend.
  • Key Awards: Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.
• Sean Hayes (Jack McFarland)
  • Birth Name: Sean Patrick Hayes
  • Born: June 26, 1970
  • Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, United States
  • Role on Show: Jack McFarland, Will's flamboyant, aspiring actor friend.
  • Key Awards: Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play.
• Megan Mullally (Karen Walker)
  • Birth Name: Megan Mullally
  • Born: November 12, 1958
  • Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States
  • Role on Show: Karen Walker, Grace's wealthy, alcoholic, and hilariously eccentric assistant.
  • Key Awards: Two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.

Eric McCormack and Debra Messing: New Roles and Public Life in 2025

The titular stars, Eric McCormack and Debra Messing, have both moved into new phases of their careers, with McCormack embracing the thriller genre and Messing returning to her roots as a celebrated host.

Eric McCormack’s Shift to Thriller Television

After portraying the grounded, meticulous Will Truman for over two decades, Eric McCormack is taking a sharp turn into high-stakes drama. In 2025, McCormack is set to star in the MGM+ thriller series Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue. The series, which follows nine strangers in a remote Mexican resort after a hurricane, sees McCormack in a very different light, showcasing his range beyond the sitcom format.

McCormack has also been vocal about his future in comedy, revealing that it would take a truly unique and compelling script to lure him back into another traditional sitcom. This suggests a continued focus on prestige television and stage work, following his previous roles in series like Perception and Travelers, further diversifying his impressive portfolio.

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Debra Messing’s Return to the Stage and Public Discourse

Debra Messing, known for her passionate political advocacy, continues to be a prominent figure both on and off-screen. In a major update for 2025, Messing was announced as the co-host for the prestigious Drama Desk Awards ceremony, scheduled for June 1, 2025, at NYU’s Skirball Center for the Performing Arts. Co-hosting alongside Tituss Burgess, this role highlights her deep connection to the New York theater community and her status as a respected entertainment figure.

However, Messing’s public life has not been without recent controversy. She faced significant backlash in late 2024 after sharing a political meme on social media, sparking intense criticism and public debate. This event underscores her continued willingness to engage in public discourse, even when it draws intense scrutiny, maintaining her profile as a vocal celebrity advocate.

Sean Hayes and Megan Mullally: Stage Triumphs and Podcast Power

Sean Hayes and Megan Mullally, the Emmy-winning duo who played Jack McFarland and Karen Walker, have leveraged their comedic brilliance into highly successful side ventures, with Hayes dominating the stage and podcast charts, and Mullally focusing on unique live appearances and music.

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Sean Hayes: From Broadway Tony Winner to Off-Broadway Star

Sean Hayes, who won a Tony Award in 2023 for his critically acclaimed performance as Oscar Levant in the Broadway play Good Night, Oscar, is continuing his stage career. His latest project for 2025 is the one-man Off-Broadway play, The Unknown, written by David Cale. This new role allows Hayes to explore a different, more intimate theatrical challenge, further establishing his credibility as a serious dramatic and comedic stage actor.

Beyond the theatre, Hayes remains a major force in the audio world as the co-host of SmartLess, which is consistently ranked as one of the world's most popular comedy podcasts. Co-hosted with Jason Bateman and Will Arnett, the podcast sees the trio engage in unscripted, spontaneous conversations with celebrity guests, demonstrating Hayes's enduring comedic timing and chemistry outside of the Will & Grace universe. He is also set to appear in the 2025 comedy-drama film Is This Thing On.

Megan Mullally: Live Appearances and New Musicals

Megan Mullally, whose portrayal of Karen Walker is legendary, is focusing on live, unscripted appearances and musical projects. A major event for 2025 is her appearance with her husband, actor Nick Offerman, at Vivid Sydney 2025 in Australia. The couple, known for their unique comedic chemistry, will appear on stage together for an in-conversation event, offering fans an unfiltered look into their lives and careers.

Mullally is also set to break new ground in the musical theatre world. She is slated to star in a new musical project titled Breaks the Ice, signaling her return to the musical stage—a format where she has always excelled, having a background in professional dance and a history of performing with her band, Nancy and Beth. These varied projects highlight her commitment to live performance and her status as a versatile, multi-talented entertainer.

The Enduring Legacy of Will & Grace and Its Cultural Impact

While the stars are busy with their individual careers, the legacy of Will & Grace continues to resonate deeply in popular culture. The show, which premiered in 1998, was a true cultural milestone.

It holds the distinction of being the first U.S. primetime network sitcom to feature openly gay lead characters. This groundbreaking representation helped pave the way for greater LGBTQ+ visibility and acceptance in mainstream media. The show’s blend of sharp humor, emotional depth, and focus on the complexities of non-traditional family structures made it a powerful vehicle for social progress.

The revival series, which ran from 2017 to 2020, proved that the show’s formula remained relevant, tackling contemporary issues and demonstrating the enduring bond between the four main characters. The show’s consistent critical acclaim, including 18 Emmy wins, underscores its quality and importance in television history. Even today, as the cast moves onto new projects like Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue, The Unknown, and co-hosting the Drama Desk Awards, their shared history as the stars of Will & Grace remains the foundation of their enduring fame and fan devotion.