Eric McCormack, a heterosexual actor renowned for his portrayal of the gay lawyer Will Truman on NBC’s “Will & Grace,” recently shared his perspective on casting decisions in the entertainment industry. Speaking on Monday’s episode of ITV’s Good Morning Britain, McCormack emphasized the importance of merit over an actor’s sexuality when selecting performers for roles.
In response to inquiries about whether he would secure the same role in today’s climate, McCormack expressed his belief in the principle that the most qualified individual should be chosen for a part, regardless of their sexual orientation. “I would like to think, in general, that the best person for the role, the one that comes in and knocks it out of the park, is the one that gets the part,” he stated.
Continuing his remarks, McCormack highlighted the inherent nature of acting, noting that he has always portrayed characters differing from his own identity. “There’s no part I’ve ever played where I wasn’t playing something I’m not,” he remarked, underscoring the diversity inherent in the craft. He further underscored the importance of inclusivity by humorously suggesting that if gay actors were restricted from portraying heterosexual characters, Broadway would suffer.
“Will & Grace,” the iconic NBC sitcom which aired from 1998 to 2006 across eight seasons and later returned for a revival from 2017 to 2020, prominently featured McCormack alongside Debra Messing, Megan Mullally, and Sean Hayes. Created by Max Mutchnick and David Kohan, the show initially faced criticism for its portrayal of gay characters but ultimately garnered widespread acclaim.
The series revolves around the friendship between Will Truman, a gay lawyer, and his best friend Grace, an interior designer portrayed by Debra Messing, as they navigate life in New York City. Through its witty and relatable storytelling, “Will & Grace” addressed themes of dating, marriage, and divorce, offering audiences a refreshing and humorous take on LGBTQ+ narratives at a time when such representation was limited in mainstream sitcoms.