Versatile actor Eric James McCormack is a Canadian-American performer best known for his acclaimed role in the hit television sitcom Will & Grace. His dedication to acting, combined with talent and perseverance, has brought him widespread fame, critical acclaim, and a prosperous career that spans across television, theater, film, and music. Even in his 50s, McCormack continues to entertain audiences with his multifaceted talents.
Eric McCormack was born on April 18, 1963, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He holds dual citizenship in Canada and the United States. His mother was a homemaker, while his father worked as a financial analyst in an oil company. Eric is the eldest of three siblings.
During his school years, McCormack was shy and reluctant to participate in extracurricular activities. However, his interest in acting emerged when he enrolled in theater classes at Stephen Leacock Collegiate Institute in Ontario. His initial stage performances in musicals such as Pippin and Godspell awakened his passion for the performing arts.
McCormack graduated from Stephen Leacock Collegiate Institute in 1982 and later attended Ryerson University’s School of Theatre in Toronto. Although he left the program in 1985 before completing his degree, he simultaneously participated in five seasons of performances at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, gaining valuable stage experience.
Eric McCormack began his professional acting journey in theater. His performances in productions like Murder in the Cathedral and Henry V were well received. He also worked with prestigious Canadian institutions like the Manitoba Theatre Centre and the Royal Alexandra Theatre, further honing his craft on stage before transitioning into film and television.
Eric McCormack’s major breakthrough came with his role as Will Truman in the NBC sitcom Will & Grace, which premiered in 1998. Playing a gay lawyer in one of television’s earliest mainstream portrayals of an openly gay lead character, McCormack earned widespread praise for his nuanced and empathetic performance. A strong supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and same-sex marriage, McCormack brought warmth and authenticity to the role, helping to normalize and represent diverse relationships on screen.
Will & Grace became a significant cultural and commercial success, running for eight seasons initially and later returning for a successful revival. The show cemented McCormack’s place in television history and remains a defining achievement in his career.
Before his success on Will & Grace, McCormack appeared in numerous television productions. His first professional television credit came in 1986 with the Canadian TV movie The Boys from Syracuse. He later appeared in episodes of U.S. shows such as Top Cops (1991) and Street Justice (1993), along with roles in TV films including Double, Double, Toil and Trouble. He played a recurring role in the series Lonesome Dove: The Series and continued with Lonesome Dove: The Outlaw Years from 1994 to 1995.
Post-Will & Grace, McCormack took on various roles in TV and film. While his comedic film Holy Man did not perform well commercially, he gained critical appreciation for roles in other projects, such as The Andromeda Strain, The Sisters, and Free Enterprise. In 2006, he appeared in the TNT drama Trust Me, further showcasing his range as an actor.
Beyond acting, McCormack ventured into production. He founded his own production company, Big Cattle Productions, under which he produced the Lifetime comedy series Lovespring International in 2006.
In addition to acting, McCormack is also a talented singer. In 2004, he wrote and performed the song “Living with Grace,” and in 2006, he contributed to a charity album. His musical talents have also been showcased during major events, where he has sung both the American and Canadian national anthems, including at the MLB All-Star Game.
Eric McCormack has been married to Janet Leigh Holden since 1997. The couple met on the set of the television series Lonesome Dove. They welcomed their son, Finnigan Holden McCormack, in 2002. The family resides in Los Angeles and enjoys a private, supportive home life.
A dedicated philanthropist, McCormack actively supports cancer-related causes. He has worked with the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) and other charitable organizations focused on cancer awareness and patient support. His efforts earned him the “Spirit of Hope” award for his commitment to breast cancer awareness campaigns.
Throughout his career, Eric McCormack has received multiple accolades for his work in television and advocacy. He won the 2001 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his role in Will & Grace. Additionally, he received four other Emmy nominations and five Golden Globe nominations during the show’s run. He has also been recognized with four Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award nominations, including a win in 2001 with the ensemble cast of Will & Grace.
McCormack's versatility in acting, directing, producing, and music defines his enduring success in the entertainment industry. From his humble beginnings in high school theater to achieving international fame, he remains a respected and influential figure in entertainment.
| Birth Date: | 18 Apr, 1963 |
| Age: | 57 yrs |
| Citizenship: | United States of America Canada |
| Birth Place: | Toronto |
| residence: | Vancouver |
| Education: | Ryerson University |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | Canadian-American actor, producer, and writer |
| Twitter Id: | EricMcCormack |
| Net Worth 2021: | 20 million |
