Behind the Scenes Facts That You Didn’t Know About “Will & Grace”
Since its 1998 premiere, “Will & Grace” has gone on to make television history by educating audiences about the LGBT community. Being the first show to feature two prominently gay characters, the series focused on the lives of the main cast and how they navigated their careers and relationships.
But behind the scenes of the show, there were many moments that would have absolutely changed the sitcom beyond recognition. And even during the production of the show’s reboot, there were times that the cast thought that the show would not go on!
So, here are some facts about the original show and its 2017 reboot.
Jack’s Cher Doll is Worth a Fortune
The iconic Cher doll that appeared on an episode of “Will & Grace’s” initial run wasn’t just one of the line of dolls that appeared in stores later that year. The prototype version of the doll that appeared on the show is estimated to be worth $60,000.
The episode also made use of a promotional website that viewers could log on to for updates of the doll’s production. The doll from the show is now owned by series creator Max Mutchnick.
The Pilot Included Characters that Were Later Scrapped
In the original pilot of the series there were several characters who were ultimately cut out when the show was picked up by NBC. One of these characters was Will’s straight law partner Andy Felner. In the book “Will & Grace: Fabulously Uncensored,” author Jim Colucci weighed in that “
after seeing the strength of their foursome in action, the producers knew that Andy and company were unnecessary.”
Rosario Was Named After Her Real-Life Counterpart
Rosario is Karen’s maid on the show, and the character even married Jack in an episode. But the character, like many others in the series, was inspired by a person that creator Max Mutchnick knew in real life.
Rosario was named after his own housekeeper and while the character was only meant to make a small appearance, she ultimately became a regular on the show.
“The Birds” Reunion
“Will & Grace” featured appearances by many actors, including Veronica Cartwright, who played Jack’s mother, and Suzanne Pleshette, who portrayed Karen’s mom. And classic film fans might recognize these names because both actresses appeared in the Alfred Hitchcock thriller “The Birds.”
Cartwright played a student and Pleshette was her teacher, Annie Hayworth.