Ranking 'Will & Grace' Characters

by Aprille Hanson
When “Will & Grace” debuted in 1998, it was the first show centered on the friendship between a straight woman and gay man. Ellen DeGeneres opened the door with her sitcom character on “Ellen” coming out to the world for a show like “Will & Grace” to even exist. As a fan of the original run of “Will & Grace,” seasons 1-8, it was thrilling to see the beloved characters return for a season 9 in 2017, 11 years later to an extremely different society, both in acceptance and politically. Without missing one beat, Eric McCormack, Debra Messing, Megan Mullally and Sean Hayes stepped back into their beloved characters, still able to capture what made the show a classic. My big complaint? We only got these characters back for a rebooted three seasons, as the show will conclude a second time on April 23. Let’s hope it’s better than that initial season 8 finale, which was ultimately erased in the reboot. 
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While none of the four main characters are subpar, here’s how they rank: 

 Will Truman (Eric McCormack)
In a world of absurd characters, Will Truman is the most solid, both in his life and comedically. As a New York city lawyer -- somewhat forgettable, since that’s rarely been a major storyline -- who has his life together, we learn from his past that he took a big leap by breaking up with girlfriend Grace Adler because he is gay. The deep love he gives to Grace as her best friend and the stability as her roommate is a beautiful thing to watch. But he’s not perfect -- he’s neurotic and insecure, leading us into some hysterical and cutting one liners that only that character could deliver. He’s the comedic home plate for the sitcom -- the most important character to keep the show from being just a little too goofy but getting just as many laughs. He’s definitely not flashy, but he doesn’t have to be. 
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​Karen Walker (Megan Mullally) 
Before people even used the term “hot mess,” it was pretty much Karen Walker. As Grace’s assistant, she drinks constantly, pops whatever pills are rolling around in her purse, flaunts her wealth and makes the most offensive jokes about anyone and everyone. She’s the worst and it’s absolutely hysterical. I’ve never laughed out loud more at offensive humor than when Karen, in her squeaky voice, blurts out something terrible or just her appalling antics in general. Like when the elderly bartender Schmitty shares some God-awful memory or the sad state of affairs in his life, Karen just erupts in laughter every time. I can’t help but die laughing too. Mullally did something so rare -- making a character with a truly awful personality just so incredibly likable. 

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​Grace Adler (Debra Messing) 
Speaking of hot messes, Grace Adler is a talented interior designer, but knows little about getting her life together and it’s a joy to watch. She’s definitely not as absurd as Karen, but her moments of silliness in relationships to the ups and downs in her friendship with Will is played to perfection. She is a modern day Lucille Ball for more than just the red hair. Her physical comedy echoes the comedic icon in crazy moments, like one of her best episodes, “Das Boob” (season 2, episode 3) when she wears a water bra on a date and it springs a leak. Even this final reboot season, she’s willing to go to such gross lengths in “What a Dump” to “Accidentally on Porpoise” that you just can’t help but love this flawed character. 

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Jack McFarland (Sean Hayes) 
I can’t think of Jack McFarland without his iconic “Just Jack!” phrase and jazz hands popped next to his face. A struggling gay actor who is completely fabulous, he is the opposite personality of Will, but is his best male friend. His close friendship with Karen is similar to Will and Grace in that they’re this off-the-wall duo and it’s adorable. The first time Jack and Karen meet in season 1, episode 2, “A New Lease on Life,” is still one of the most memorable when they touch belly buttons. In the same way that Karen is absurd, Jack is goofy. But the amount of physical comedy that Hayes brings to every motion of Jack is just mind boggling. He’s so talented and it’s mesmerizing to watch.