Eric McCormack on Straight Actors Portraying Gay Roles: Embracing Diversity in Acting
'Will and Grace' actor Eric McCormack shares his perspective on the inclusion of straight actors in gay roles, emphasizing the importance of diversity and versatility in the entertainment industry.
Eric McCormack Defends Straight Actors Portraying Gay Characters
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Eric McCormack, who is 60 years old and identifies as heterosexual, has shared his thoughts on the discussion surrounding whether straight actors should be permitted to portray gay characters.
During the 11 seasons of the NBC comedy series Will and Grace, McCormack portrayed the role of a gay lawyer named Will Truman.
During his appearance on ITV's Good Morning Britain show on Monday, March 18, actor McCormack was asked by cohost Susanna Reid about his thoughts on straight actors portraying gay characters. McCormack shared that it was a challenging question for him, as he became an actor not to play himself, but to take on roles that are different from who he is. He mentioned that in every part he has played, he has always portrayed characters that are not like him, emphasizing that this is just a natural part of being an actor.
McCormack received an Emmy for his role in Will and Grace in 2001, winning Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. In 2003, he was also given the GLAAD Vanguard Award for his exceptional portrayal of the LGBTQ+ community.
In a chat on Good Morning Britain, McCormack discussed the other side of the argument.
“And I’ve always said: ‘If gay actors weren’t allowed to play straight actors, Broadway would be over,’” he said.
Eric McCormack Defends Straight Actors Portraying Gay Characters
Megan Mullally, Eric McCormack, Debra Messing, and Sean Hayes are the stars of the TV show 'Will & Grace'. Paul Drinkwater/NBC/Getty Images.
Eric McCormack was part of the original run of 'Will and Grace' from 1998 to 2006, and also during its revival from 2017 to 2020. Looking back at his time on the show, he feels proud of how he portrayed a gay character.
"So this is what we do. I like to believe that I portray it accurately, you know, in a literal sense. I have a background in theater, and most of my closest friends were gay men," he shared. "I believe I captured their essence and the message they conveyed in what might have been perceived as just a sitcom."
During an interview on Good Morning Britain, cohost Ed Balls inquired if McCormack thought he would still be chosen to play Will if the show was being produced in current times.
The Canadian actor responded, "Well, I guess the answer would be, they’d have to say in the casting room: ‘And you’re gay, right?,’ which I don’t think they can say.”
McCormack continued, "So I still think, as you say, it’s hypothetical. 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.”
In the show Will and Grace, Will Truman, played by McCormack, dated Grace Adler, an interior designer portrayed by Debra Messing. At first, until Will revealed he was gay. After their fallout, Grace was deeply hurt and they didn't talk for a whole year. However, they eventually made up, moved in together, and became the closest of friends.
Editor's P/S:
Eric McCormack's perspectives on straight actors portraying gay characters spark a nuanced discussion about representation and authenticity in the entertainment industry. While he acknowledges the importance of LGBTQ+ actors being able to authentically portray their own experiences, he also emphasizes the fundamental role of actors in embodying diverse characters beyond their personal identities. McCormack's Emmy-winning performance as Will Truman in "Will and Grace" exemplifies his ability to bring depth and credibility to a gay character, despite his own heterosexuality.
The article raises questions about the evolving landscape of casting practices and the balance between diversity and artistic merit. McCormack suggests that the best actors should be chosen for roles regardless of their sexual orientation, while acknowledging the potential need for representation in the industry. By engaging in this dialogue, McCormack encourages a thoughtful examination of the complexities surrounding representation and the value of inclusivity in storytelling. would allow for a wider range of perspectives to be represented on screen while also ensuring that talented actors do not miss out on opportunities based on their personal lives.
