Work has been steady for Eric McCormack, with roles in Ally McBeal, starring Calista Flockhart; Veronica’s Closet, starring Kirstie Alley; and Diagnosis Murder, starring Dick Van Dyke. He also played the part of Mel Ferrer, Audrey Hepburn’s husband, in the TV movie The Audrey Hepburn Story, opposite Jennifer Love Hewitt. But it’s the character of Will that Eric will be most remembered for. The show and all the main actors have won Emmy awards, and Eric won his own in 2001.

Created by David Kohan and Max Mutchnick, Will & Grace first aired in 1998 and finally ended in May 2006. With its gay characters and storylines, it was extremely influential and paved the way for other gay issue shows to follow. Eric McCormack shares the billing with Debra Messing who plays best friend Grace. They are ably supported by their friends Jack, plsyed by Sean Hayes, and Karen, played by Megan Mullally. Shelley Morrison is the long suffering maid, Rosario. The list of people appearing in guest spots and recurring roles is probably the most impressive of any television series in history. Grace’s boyfriends have been played by Woody Harrelson and Gregory Hines, and husband Leo was played by singer and actor Harry Connick Jr. Will’s boyfriends have been played by Bobby Cannavale and Taye Diggs. Karen’s second husband was played by comic icon John Cleese.

Other guests supporting Eric McCormack and the rest of the cast have included Rosie O’Donnell, Minnie Driver, Alec Baldwin, Madonna, Michael Douglas, Demi Moore, Debbie Reynolds, and eveb Joan Collins. Various celebrities have also played themselves, such as Elton John, Jennifer Lopez, and Cher.

Eric McCormack has other strings to his bow besides acting on television. During a hiatus for Will & Grace, he appeared in The Music Man, briefly replacing Craig Bierko in Susan Stroman’s production. In 2006, he returned to the stage playing off-Broadway in Some Girls, a play also starring Fran Drescher. He has taken up the position of Executive Producer for the TV series that appeared in 2006 called Lovespring International. Music is also a passion and he has recorded a song penned by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, and done another recording of a song he wrote himself that featured Barry Manilow on piano.

Eric McCormack has shown there is life after Will & Grace, and is currently involved in other projects. He has been married since 1997 to Janet Holden and they have a son.

YUDDY