JBlogX

Meet 'Will and Grace' Cast's Real-Life Spouses

Getty Images.

The comedy "Will & Grace" became massively popular since it first aired in September 1998. Centered around the lives of roommates and friends Will and Grace, the show initially ran for eight years before it made a comeback in 2018.

While fans can catch up on the latest developments in their onscreen lives with the show's revival, there is also something to be said about the real-life partners of these famous and funny characters.

Actors Megan Mullally, Debra Messing, Erik McCormack and Sean Hayes take part in SiriusXMÕs ÔTown HallÕ with the cast of ÔWill & GraceÕ hosted by Andy Cohen on September 25, 2017, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images.

DEBRA MESSING: GRACE ADLER

Debra met the writer and producer, Daniel Zelman at New York University in 1990 and the pair got engaged eight years later. After a long engagement, the couple tied the knot on September 3, 2000.

Since then, Daniel became known for his work on films including "Damages" in 2007, "Fool's Gold" the following year, and the 2015 movie, "Bloodline."

The couple also welcomed a son, Roman Walker Zelman to the family on April 7, 2004; however, they separated six years later followed by their filing for divorce in 2012.

Daniel Zelman (L) and actress Debra Messing arrive at the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards held at the Nokia Theatre on September 20, 2009, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images.

Their divorce became official on March 1, 2016, and Debra elaborated on the reason for their split during an interview in 2012.

“Twenty years. It’s a very long time. I think the institute of marriage is a noble thing," Debra said. "I think the idea of a partner for life is incredibly romantic. But now we’re living to 100. A hundred years ago, people were dying at age 37. Till death do us part was a much different deal.”

MEGAN MULLALLY: KAREN WALKER

Megan found her soulmate in Nick Offerman in 2000 when they acted together in a play in Los Angeles. An instant attraction led to their wedding on September 20, 2003, and the couple hardly spent time apart since.

Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally arrive for the Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Graydon Carter at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on February 26, 2017, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images.

With Megan being an actress, and Nick both an actor and producer, the pair often work together and spend as much time together as possible.

"We like to be together. We’d rather be together than not together. And we have our two-week rule: We’ve never been apart for more than two weeks," Megan said.

Nick made a name for himself working on productions such as "Parks and Recreation," "Fargo," and "The Founder," and enjoys making furniture in his spare time when he and Megan don't have plans in the works.

The couple co-wrote a book published in October 2018 called The Greatest Love Story Ever Told, and it gives humorous and poignant insight into their perspective about a lasting marriage.

ERIC MCCORMACK: WILL TRUMAN

Love came around for Eric when he least expected it in 1994. He'd been dating actresses when he met Janet Holden, who worked as the assistant director for a television series in which he starred.

Eric found her different from the women he dated, and it took some convincing to get Janet to go out with him, but she eventually agreed, and the couple had a secret relationship for a few months before they went public.

Eric McCormack (L) and Janet Holden attend the GLSEN Respect Awards at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on October 19, 2018, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images.

The couple then tied the knot on August 3, 1997, five months after Eric got cast in "Will & Grace," and Janet gave birth to their son, Finnigan Holden McCormack on July 1, 2002, in Los Angeles.

SEAN HAYES: JACK MCFARLAND

Sean started dating the actor and music producer, Scott Icenogle in 2006 and it took eight years before they exchanged vows during a small and private ceremony on Thanksgiving week in 2014.

In addition to producing music in Los Angeles, Scott also composes, and he works with his production partner, Lior Rosner, to create music for all types of needs in the entertainment industry.

Scott Icenogle and Sean Hayes attend the Comedy Central Roast of Alec Baldwin at Saban Theatre on September 07, 2019, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images.

Some of the artists Scott worked with to date include Madonna, Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, Katy Perry, and Beyoncé. More than 35 songs Scott has worked one, became Billboard chart No. 1 hits.

In 2018, Scott became an award winner and snagged the ASCAP Award for Top Television Series, which he shares with his music producing partner, Lior Rosner.

SHELLEY MORRISON: ROSARIO SALAZAR

Shelley played Karen's grumpy Salvadoran maid, but her offscreen life has little resemblance to her on-screen character.

Walter Dominguez (L) and actress Shelley Morrison (R) arrive at the 20th Anniversary Genesis Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on March 18, 2006, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images.

The Latin actress married the director, Walter Dominguez on August 11, 1973, and the pair have stayed committed to each other through the highs and lows.

The couple went through a difficult time in 1998. Shelley had a mastectomy when doctors found a cancerous tumor, and they removed another growth from one of her lungs a year later. The actress remained cancer-free since and became a volunteer counselor for senior citizens, cancer patients, and people living with AIDS.

All the while, Walter stayed by her side and supported her, particularly when Shelley's actions on April 23, 2003, shocked even her.

Shelley stopped at Robinsons-May department store to buy shoes while on her way to a "Will & Grace" rehearsal. After paying for the shoes, Shelley got stopped by security guards as she left the store and then took her to their office.

"I emptied my pockets to find this horrible jewelry I would have never bought for myself or given as a gift in a million years. I have a complete blank on anything in between,” Shelley said.

The actress promptly got arrested for shoplifting $446 worth of costume jewelry she doesn't remember taking in the first place. Eight hours after being booked by LAPD cops, Shelley got released on $20,000 bail.

Shelley Morrison and her husband Walter Dominguez arrive at TV Guide's Second Annual Emmy After Party on September 19, 2004, at "TV Guide Central" in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images.

"The whole episode has been extremely difficult for her. Shelley is the most scrupulously honest person I have ever met," Walter said a few months after the incident.

Horrified at what she had done, Shelley spent about two weeks spiraling down the dark pit of shock and regret. Having been a spiritual person all her life, the actress felt like she lost her "spiritual core" and struggled moving past her regretable actions.

While Shelley feared that she would end up in prison, the case ended with her receiving a $300 fine and one year of probation with a warning to stay away from the store.

Shelly Morrison and her husband Walter Dominguez attends the Don Francisco gala June 8, 2001, in Beverly Hills, CA. | Source: Getty Images.

Shelley's fans responded with support sending letters and flowers, and the incident didn't harm her career either, as NBC renewed her contract for another three seasons before she got sentenced.

Relatedly, fans of the comedy series jumped for joy when the show returned for its ninth and eventually the tenth season after being off the air for over a decade.

ncG1vNJzZmimlazAb63MqKSapZFjsLC5jmpubWpna3quscStZLChnKF6qL7AnJxmqpWWuW64yJ%2BcZqugpMK0sdJnn62lnA%3D%3D

Martina Birk

Update: 2024-05-03