Sean Hayes brought the flamboyant Jack McFarland to life on “Will & Grace” throughout both of its series, even winning an Emmy for Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for the role in the early aughts. Hayes fully embraced both the eccentricities and the nuances that made the character so iconic. “I think what’s great about ‘Will & Grace’ is that it has two characters that are gay, but it’s the fifth most interesting thing about them. Which I love,” he told HuffPost. “… We’ve progressed so far, for the most part. I know we have a lot of work to do still, that the stories can be told about the humanness of being gay, just like any other human.”
Beyond the sitcom, Hayes has become a staple on Broadway after making his debut in the musical “Promises, Promises” in 2010 opposite Kristin Chenoweth. He’s also appeared in “An Act of God” and “Good Night, Oscar” as the title character in each. He even hosted the Tony Awards in 2011, celebrating Broadway’s best — and won another Emmy Award for it.
Apart from his stage work, Hayes has also started making podcasts with his famous friends, including “Smartless” alongside Jason Bateman and Will Arnett. In 2023, Hayes and former co-star Eric McCormack launched a “Will & Grace” rewatch series called “Just Jack & Will.” “You know, I’ve never really watched the series ever,” Hayes shared on Today. “I remember clips and moments … and I remember moments being there, but I’ve never watched it like an audience member.”
