'Will & Grace' Originally Had 5 Series Regulars, Eric McCormack Says

Eric McCormack just spilled a show secret that not a lot of Will & Grace super fans know about – there were originally five series regulars!

During his and Sean Hayes‘s Just Jack & Will podcast, the 60-year-old actor revealed that Cress Williams (of Never Been Kissed and Black Lightning fame) was also supposed to star on the series.

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“There were five characters as regulars,” Eric shared on the premiere episode. “The fifth was my partner at my small law firm.”

He then said that Cress‘ character was a “straight guy” who was “probably written as Jewish” initially, and their friendship was supposed to be “just as important” as his friendships with Grace (Debra Messing) and Jack, played by Sean.

Eric added that as the pilot was being filmed, director James Burrows was concerned about five people being too many.

“I felt so terrible,” he shared. “It was nothing he did or didn’t do… It just didn’t fit what the show is supposed to be.”

Will & Grace also starred Megan Mullally as Karen.

In another interview, Debra also revealed that one NBC exec had some thoughts about Grace.