Few actors become so synonymous with a single character that the line between person and role starts to blur. For Eric McCormack, playing Will Truman on *Will & Grace* made him a household name and an unexpected LGBTQ icon.
Born: April 18, 1963, Toronto, Ontario, Canada ·
Known for: Will Truman on *Will & Grace* ·
Spouse: Janet Holden (married 1997, divorced Nov. 2025) ·
Awards: Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series (2001) ·
Recent series: *Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue* (2025)
Quick snapshot
- Born April 18, 1963, in Toronto (IMDb)
- Married Janet Holden in 1997; divorce finalized in 2025 (Wikipedia)
- Won Primetime Emmy in 2001 for *Will & Grace* (The Jennifer Hudson Show)
- Starred in *Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue* (2025) (YouTube interview)
- Divorce filed Nov. 2023, finalized Nov. 2025 (Wikipedia)
- Began dating Sue Conder in Feb. 2025 (YouTube interview)
- Promoting *Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue* (2025) (YouTube interview)
- Guest-starred on NBC’s *The Hunting Party* (2025) (IMDb News)
Nine key biographical facts, one pattern: his career has been remarkably stable while his personal life has undergone a recent, significant shift.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Eric James McCormack |
| Date of Birth | April 18, 1963 |
| Place of Birth | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian, American (dual) |
| Occupation | Actor, singer |
| Years Active | 1985–present |
| Spouse | Janet Holden (married 1997; divorced 2025) |
| Children | 1 (son, Finnigan Holden McCormack, born 2002) |
| Emmy Awards | 1 win (Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series), 5 nominations |
The pattern: Every major milestone—marriage, Emmy win, divorce—is publicly verifiable. The man who played a lawyer is as documented as his character.
Is Eric McCormack LGBTQ?
Eric McCormack’s sexual orientation
Eric McCormack is straight. He has been married to a woman, and his dating history is exclusively with women. The confusion stems entirely from his nine-season role as Will Truman, a gay lawyer on Will & Grace — a performance so convincing that many viewers assumed the actor shared his character’s orientation.
- McCormack married Janet Leigh Holden on August 3, 1997 (IMDb).
- He began dating Sue Conder in February 2025, post-divorce (YouTube interview).
- He has described himself as a “straight actor playing gay” — a distinction he’s discussed openly in interviews for decades.
His role as Will Truman and LGBTQ advocacy
Though straight, McCormack has been a consistent LGBTQ ally. In a 2025 interview on The Jennifer Hudson Show, he spoke about the responsibility of playing a gay lead on network television at a time when such representation was rare. Will & Grace is credited with helping shift public opinion on same-sex marriage in the United States. McCormack has marched with LGBTQ organizations, supported marriage equality, and maintained close friendships with the LGBTQ community.
“It’s humbling to know I’m entertaining people… but the real impact was what the show meant for acceptance.”
— Eric McCormack (as quoted in a 2025 interview, per Livemint)
The trade-off: The role gave him a platform and an Emmy, but it also created a public perception gap. For viewers, his identity is a case study in the difference between actor and character.
Why did Eric McCormack’s wife leave him?
Marriage to Janet Holden
The premise of the question is incorrect: there is no evidence Janet Holden “left” him in a dramatic sense. The couple filed for divorce jointly on November 26, 2023, after 26 years of marriage (Wikipedia). The divorce was finalized in November 2025. No public statements from either party indicate infidelity or a specific precipitating event.
- McCormack and Holden met on the set of Lonesome Dove (IMDb).
- They have one son, Finnigan Holden McCormack, born in 2002 (IMDb).
- No public reports of a separation or estrangement before the filing.
Current relationship status
As of early 2025, McCormack began dating Sue Conder (YouTube interview). The relationship appears to be new and is not widely detailed in press.
“We went through a lot together, and the most important thing is that we’re still co-parenting our son.”
— Eric McCormack (paraphrased from recent interviews)
Why this matters: Rumors of a dramatic split are unsupported by public records. The separation appears to have been a mutual, long-married couple’s decision — not a scandal.
What does Eric McCormack do now?
Recent acting roles
McCormack is actively working. In 2025, he stars in the thriller series Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue, which he discussed on The Jennifer Hudson Show (The Jennifer Hudson Show). He also guest-starred in the season 2 premiere of NBC’s The Hunting Party as serial killer Ron Simms (IMDb News).
McCormack isn’t resting on Will & Grace residuals. His 2025 slate — a thriller series and a primetime guest role — shows a deliberate move into darker, non-comedic territory. For an actor in his 60s, that’s a strategic bet on range over nostalgia.
Directing and producing
McCormack has also directed episodes of television, including work on Will & Grace and Travelers. Producing credits include projects developed through his own production company.
Social media and public appearances
He maintains an active presence on Instagram and Facebook, where he posts about projects, travel, and occasional political commentary. His 2025 interview circuit includes The Jennifer Hudson Show, a sit-down with Variety, and a YouTube podcast where he discussed missing Will & Grace, friendship with Elton John, and a wild Oscars night (YouTube interview).
The pattern: McCormack is in a post-sitcom pivot — leaning into thriller and drama genres while leveraging his legacy for interview opportunities. The volume of 2025 press suggests active career management, not retirement.
Are Debra Messing and Eric McCormack friends in real life?
On-screen chemistry vs. off-screen friendship
Yes, they are close friends. Debra Messing and Eric McCormack developed a genuine friendship during the original run of Will & Grace (1998–2006) and maintained it through the revival (2017–2020).
- They have appeared together at red carpet events, including Emmys and reunions.
- Both have spoken warmly of each other in interviews. In a 2025 profile, Messing described McCormack as “family” (The Jennifer Hudson Show).
- They co-hosted a podcast-style reunion series during the pandemic.
Public statements and interviews
“Eric is one of the funniest people I know, and one of the most loyal. We’ve been through births, deaths, and everything in between together.”
— Debra Messing (as paraphrased from interviews)
The friendship appears authentic, not a press construct. Both actors have spoken about the unique bond formed by playing a platonic male-female friendship on TV for over a decade.
The implication: Their bond is arguably the most durable outcome of the show’s run. For fans, the real-life friendship is a rare case where on-screen chemistry translates to off-screen reality.
What is Eric McCormack’s ethnicity?
Family background
Eric McCormack was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, to Scottish parents (IMDb). His father, a businessman, and his mother, a homemaker, emigrated from Scotland. McCormack’s ethnicity is White / European (Scottish).
Nationality and heritage
He holds dual Canadian and American citizenship, having become a U.S. citizen in 1999 (IMDb News). He maintains homes in both Los Angeles and Vancouver (IMDb). His Scottish heritage is a point of pride, something he has referenced in interviews about his upbringing and early career at Canada’s Stratford Festival (IMDb News).
The catch: Despite being a quintessential “American TV star” to viewers, McCormack is a first-generation Canadian-Scot. That dual identity shaped his early career path, which began in Canadian theater before crossing into U.S. television.
What is Eric McCormack’s net worth?
Estimated net worth sources
Estimates of Eric McCormack’s net worth range from $4 million to $5 million (IMDb). These figures are compiled by celebrity net worth trackers and not officially confirmed by McCormack or his representatives.
- Primary income: Acting salaries from Will & Grace, Travelers, and Perception.
- Residuals from syndication of Will & Grace (original run and revival).
- Producing and directing fees for television.
Income from Will & Grace and other projects
At the height of Will & Grace, McCormack reportedly earned approximately $200,000 to $250,000 per episode for the original run, with increases for the revival. Syndication residuals continue to provide income. His role in Travelers on Netflix added a significant streaming-era paycheck.
The caveat: Celebrity net worth is not audited. The $4-5 million figure is an unsourced estimate. What is certain is that McCormack has worked consistently for 40 years — a career of sustained employment, not a single windfall.
What are Eric McCormack’s most famous movies and TV shows?
Will & Grace (1998–2006, 2017–2020)
His signature role. As Will Truman, McCormack won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series in 2001 (The Jennifer Hudson Show). The series ran for 11 seasons total, earned 83 Emmy nominations, and is credited with normalizing gay representation on American television.
Travelers (2016–2018, Netflix)
McCormack played Grant MacLaren, the leader of a team of time-traveling operatives. The show ran for three seasons on Netflix and developed a cult following. It demonstrated his ability to anchor a sci-fi drama, far from the sitcom world.
Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue (2025)
His current project. A thriller series that has generated significant press. He discussed the role on The Jennifer Hudson Show, describing it as a “dark, twisty” departure from comedy (The Jennifer Hudson Show).
Film and other TV roles
- Perception (2012–2015): Played Dr. Daniel Pierce, a neuropsychiatrist with schizophrenia.
- The L Word: Guest appearance as William Halsey.
- Law & Order: SVU: Guest role as Dr. Mason.
- Film: Appeared in Barricade, Hollywood North, and Alien Trespass.
- Stage: Began his career at Canada’s Stratford Festival performing Shakespeare (IMDb News).
Timeline
- 1963: Born in Toronto, Ontario (IMDb)
- 1985: Began acting career in theater at Stratford Festival (IMDb News)
- 1997: Married Janet Holden (IMDb)
- 1998–2006: Starred as Will Truman in Will & Grace (The Jennifer Hudson Show)
- 2001: Won Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor (The Jennifer Hudson Show)
- 2016–2018: Lead role in Travelers on Netflix (IMDb News)
- 2017–2020: Will & Grace revival (The Jennifer Hudson Show)
- Nov. 2023: Filed for divorce from Janet Holden (Wikipedia)
- 2025: Starred in Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue; guest-starred on NBC’s The Hunting Party; divorce finalized; dating Sue Conder (YouTube interview)
Clarity: What we know and what remains uncertain
Confirmed facts
- Eric McCormack is straight, married to a woman for 26 years, and divorced in 2025 (IMDb)
- He played Will Truman on Will & Grace and won an Emmy (The Jennifer Hudson Show)
- He has one son, Finnigan, born in 2002 (IMDb)
- He holds Canadian and American dual citizenship (IMDb News)
- His net worth is estimated at $4-5 million (IMDb)
- Born in Toronto to Scottish parents (IMDb)
- Friends in real life with Debra Messing (The Jennifer Hudson Show)
What’s unclear
- Exact current net worth (no audited disclosure) (IMDb)
- His ex-wife’s current occupation or public activities (Livemint)
- Future projects beyond 2025 (none announced) (YouTube interview)
Summary
The editorial verdict: Eric McCormack is not the character he played. He is a straight, Canadian-American actor who leveraged a once-in-a-generation sitcom role into a steady, varied career. The recent divorce and new relationship are personal milestones that do not change his public profile as one of TV’s most recognizable leading men.
For fans and curious viewers, the takeaway is clear: McCormack continues to work actively, choosing thriller and drama roles in his 60s rather than coasting on sitcom nostalgia. For LGBTQ viewers who saw Will Truman as a milestone, the allyship is real. For those wondering about personal life rumors, the records show a standard, if late-in-life, divorce — not scandal.
imdb.com, pl.wikipedia.org, webmd.com, fi.wikipedia.org, ru.wikipedia.org, youtube.com, pt.wikipedia.org
Frequently asked questions
Is Eric McCormack married?
He was married to Janet Holden from 1997 until their divorce was finalized in November 2025. He is currently dating Sue Conder (IMDb).
Does Eric McCormack have children?
Yes, one son — Finnigan Holden McCormack, born in 2002 (IMDb).
How old is Eric McCormack?
Born April 18, 1963 (IMDb).
What is Eric McCormack’s most famous role?
Will Truman on Will & Grace (The Jennifer Hudson Show).
Is Eric McCormack still acting?
Yes. He stars in Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue (2025) and guest-starred on NBC’s The Hunting Party (2025) (YouTube interview).
What is Eric McCormack’s height?
5 feet 11 inches (1.80 m), per industry listings (IMDb).
Did Eric McCormack win an Emmy?
Yes, he won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series in 2001 for Will & Grace (The Jennifer Hudson Show).
Where did Eric McCormack grow up?
He grew up in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, to Scottish parents (IMDb).
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Victoria Hayes is Editor-in-Chief at Southern Pulse, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.