Eric McCormack’s Perspective on Gay Characters and Acting: “The Best Person for the Role”
Actor Eric McCormack, known for his portrayal of gay lawyer Will Truman in the iconic NBC comedy series “Will & Grace,” has shared his thoughts on the ongoing debate surrounding non-LGBT actors playing gay characters. McCormack, who is straight, expressed his belief that the “best person for the role” should be cast, regardless of their sexuality.
During an interview on ITV’s “Good Morning Britain,” Susanna Reid questioned McCormack about his views on straight actors portraying gay characters. The Canadian-born actor acknowledged the complexity of the issue, stating that acting involves assuming various roles and identities.
“There’s no part I’ve ever played where I wasn’t playing something I’m not,” McCormack shared. “It’s part of the gig.” He continued by pointing out that if gay actors were denied the opportunity to play straight roles, theater would suffer significantly.
McCormack further expressed his pride in representing the gay community well during his time on “Will & Grace,” having come from the theater world and having a close friend who was gay. He believed that he managed to embody their spirit and message in his portrayal of Will, despite the show’s status as a sitcom.
Ed Balls, another co-host on “Good Morning Britain,” asked McCormack if he would be cast as Will in the present day given his sexuality. McCormack replied that casting decisions would involve assessing whether an actor fits the role, regardless of their sexual orientation.
Max Mutchnick and David Kohan created “Will & Grace,” which told the story of two best friends – interior designer Grace Adler, played by Debra Messing, and McCormack’s lawyer Will – who shared an apartment in New York City. Its depiction of single, urbanites (both gay and straight) was groundbreaking at the time.
The show first aired on NBC in September 1998 and ran until 2006, later returning from 2018 to 2020. In total, there were 246 episodes over 11 seasons. “Will & Grace” paved the way for more diverse representation and conversation surrounding sexuality in television.
Eric McCormack’s commitment to his craft and his belief in casting based on talent rather than sexual orientation continues to resonate with audiences, leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
