Will & Grace (1998 — 2020)
Will & Grace (1998–2020) is a popular American sitcom created by Max Mutchnick and David Kohan. Set in New York City, it follows the friendship between Will Truman, a gay lawyer, and Grace Adler, a straight interior designer. NBC approached experienced sitcom director James Burrows for his thoughts on the show’s homosexual subject matter and potential audience interest. After reading the script in November 1997, Burrows was immediately drawn to the unique characters and genre portrayed. Filming of the pilot commenced on March 15, 1998. The lead actors, Eric McCormack and Debra Messing, both had a positive outlook on the series and believed it could have longevity on television. Reflecting on their first day of shooting, McCormack recalls saying to Messing: ‘We’re gonna be on this set for a while’. They exchanged a knowing glance of optimism without wanting to jinx it.
Eric McCormack was the first actor cast in the series, landing the role of Will Truman. Having portrayed gay characters before, he had no reservations and even saw potential for his character to be a symbol for the LGBTQ+ community, similar to how Ellen DeGeneres became a spokesperson through her character. The part of Jack went to Sean Hayes after an NBC casting executive noticed his performance in the indie film Billy’s Hollywood Screen Kiss. Although Hayes initially tossed aside the script, he eventually decided to audition after receiving it again. Megan Mullally originally tried out for the role of Grace Adler, but she was hesitant about auditioning for Karen since it felt too similar to a previous part played by Christine Baranski on Cybill. However, once Mullally landed the role of Karen, she put her own spin on the character and brought some playful quirks to the role.
Date of download: 2015-11-11T17:22:34+00:00
Cast:  Eric McCormackWill Truman (1-11)  Debra MessingGrace Adler (1-11)  Megan MullallyKaren Walker (1-11)  Sean HayesJack McFarland (1-11)  Gary GrubbsHarlin Polk (1)  Shelley MorrisonRosario Salazar (3-9)  Michael AngaranoElliot (4) |
Will & Grace (1998–2020) is a popular American sitcom created by Max Mutchnick and David Kohan. Set in New York City, it follows the friendship between Will Truman, a gay lawyer, and Grace Adler, a straight interior designer. NBC approached experienced sitcom director James Burrows for his thoughts on the show’s homosexual subject matter and potential audience interest. After reading the script in November 1997, Burrows was immediately drawn to the unique characters and genre portrayed. Filming of the pilot commenced on March 15, 1998. The lead actors, Eric McCormack and Debra Messing, both had a positive outlook on the series and believed it could have longevity on television. Reflecting on their first day of shooting, McCormack recalls saying to Messing: ‘We’re gonna be on this set for a while’. They exchanged a knowing glance of optimism without wanting to jinx it.
Eric McCormack was the first actor cast in the series, landing the role of Will Truman. Having portrayed gay characters before, he had no reservations and even saw potential for his character to be a symbol for the LGBTQ+ community, similar to how Ellen DeGeneres became a spokesperson through her character. The part of Jack went to Sean Hayes after an NBC casting executive noticed his performance in the indie film Billy’s Hollywood Screen Kiss. Although Hayes initially tossed aside the script, he eventually decided to audition after receiving it again. Megan Mullally originally tried out for the role of Grace Adler, but she was hesitant about auditioning for Karen since it felt too similar to a previous part played by Christine Baranski on Cybill. However, once Mullally landed the role of Karen, she put her own spin on the character and brought some playful quirks to the role.
