Recollection of Threats: Sean Hayes Reflects on 'Will and Grace' Cast Facing Intense Situations

Sean Hayes remembered a challenging period when the Will & Grace cast faced death threats. He shared on the "SmartLess" podcast that during the early days of the show, they would frequently receive such threats. The hit sitcom, which debuted in 1998, was groundbreaking as the first mainstream LGBTQ+ series of its time.

Following Hayes’ admission, cohost Will Arnett jokingly asked if it was for bad jokes. Hayes burst into laughter at the joke and then shared a funny story about a letter the Will & Grace cast once received - which he made clear was not a death threat.

He recalled how a woman took the time to write a letter expressing her dislike for the show. She mentioned that they were all going to hell for being part of the show, but also confessed that she loved the show despite disagreeing with its content. Hayes found it amusing how much effort she put into expressing her hatred for them.

In response, Jason Bateman, the cohost, made a joke asking for an 8 x 10. Will Arnett, who is 54 years old, chimed in, asking for tickets to the April 12 show.

"It was the craziest thing," Hayes said. Arnett agreed, saying, "That's so f–king crazy."

Sean Hayes Reveals the Cast of ‘Will and Grace’ Used to Receive Death Threats

Megan Mullally, Sean Hayes, Eric McCormack and Debra Messing in ‘Will & Grace.’ Cover Images

"Will & Grace" is a popular TV show that aired for eight seasons from 1998 to 2006. It later returned for three more seasons from 2017 to 2020. The show revolves around best friends Will Truman and Grace Adler, played by Eric McCormack and Debra Messing. Jack McFarland and Karen Walker, portrayed by Sean Hayes and Megan Mullally, are also part of the main group of friends on the show.

Sean Hayes, who plays Jack McFarland, publicly came out as gay in 2010, after the original run of "Will & Grace" ended. He has shared about his decision not to reveal his sexuality while working on the show.

Hayes shared with The Guardian in 2018 that he used to receive death threats for being on the show, which made him fearful. At a young age, he didn't know how to handle the consequences of publicly coming out as gay.

As he grew older, Hayes learned that he was actually causing more harm by not coming out sooner. He wished he had been braver, like his character. Wisdom comes with age, and he realized the importance of being fearless.

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