Let's just be real. If you spent the early 2000s—or the late 2010s reboot era—glued to the screen watching Will Truman navigate New York City, you’ve probably wondered about the man behind the character. It’s the question that has trailed him for decades. People see the perfectly tailored suits and the flawless comedic timing and they immediately want to know: is Eric McCormack homosexual in real life, or is he just that good of an actor?
Honestly, the confusion is a compliment to his craft. But if you’re looking for a simple "yes" or "no," the answer is actually quite straightforward, even if the public’s perception of him is anything but.
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The Reality of Eric McCormack’s Personal Life
Despite playing one of the most iconic gay characters in television history, Eric McCormack is straight. He has been very open about this throughout his career, often having to reiterate his orientation in interviews because the line between him and Will Truman became so blurred for the audience.
For 26 years, McCormack was married to Janet Holden. They met back in 1994 on the set of Lonesome Dove: The Series, where she was an assistant director. It wasn't some flashy Hollywood premiere romance; they actually kept their relationship a secret for months. He once jokingly called a photo of them at a wrap party their "coming out" party because nobody on the crew knew they were dating.
They tied the knot in 1997, just a year before Will & Grace changed his life forever.
The Recent Divorce News
Life changes. In a move that surprised many longtime fans, Janet Holden filed for divorce in November 2023, citing irreconcilable differences. By early January 2026, the divorce was officially finalized. The settlement was significant—Janet is set to receive $10,000 a month in spousal support and half of the residuals from his work during their marriage, which includes the massive "Will & Grace" empire.
They also share a son, Finnigan Holden McCormack, who is now 23. Despite the split, McCormack has frequently credited Janet for keeping him grounded during the whirlwind of fame. Lately, he's been spotted dating flight attendant Sue Cond, proving that while his marriage ended, his personal life remains very much in the heterosexual sphere.
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Why the Question "Is Eric McCormack Homosexual" Never Goes Away
It’s about the impact. You have to remember what TV looked like in 1998. Will & Grace wasn't just another sitcom; it was a cultural earthquake. Vice President Joe Biden famously said the show did more to educate the American public on LGBTQ+ issues than almost anything else.
Because McCormack played Will with such dignity—avoiding the over-the-top caricatures often seen at the time—people assumed he was "playing himself."
The Debate Over Straight Actors in Gay Roles
McCormack hasn't shied away from the modern conversation about whether straight actors should play gay roles. In March 2024, he went on Good Morning Britain and basically said that the whole point of being an actor is to play people you aren't.
"I didn't become an actor so that I could play an actor," he told the hosts.
He’s argued that if gay actors weren’t allowed to play straight roles, "Broadway would be over." It’s a nuanced take. He acknowledges that representation matters, but he also believes in the "spirit" of the character. He famously drew inspiration from his own close friends in the gay community to ensure Will Truman felt like a three-dimensional human being rather than a punchline.
Common Misconceptions and Facts
People often get his co-star Sean Hayes mixed up in this conversation too.
- Sean Hayes (Jack): Is actually gay in real life, though he didn't come out publicly until 2010.
- Eric McCormack (Will): Is straight, despite being the one often grilled about it in the early years.
It’s sort of an irony of the show. The "flamboyant" one was played by a man who wasn't out yet, and the "straight-acting" gay man was played by a married straight guy.
Summary of Key Details
- Sexual Orientation: Heterosexual.
- Marital Status: Divorced from Janet Holden (married 1997–2026).
- Children: One son, Finnigan.
- Current Status: Dating Sue Cond as of 2025/2026.
- Professional Stance: Believes the best actor should get the role, regardless of orientation.
If you’re following McCormack’s career now, you’ve seen him in Travelers or Perception, playing roles that are lightyears away from Will Truman. He’s a character actor at heart. The fact that people still ask is Eric McCormack homosexual nearly 30 years after his breakout role just proves that he nailed the performance of a lifetime.
Moving Forward
To get the most accurate picture of celebrity identities, always look for direct quotes and long-term relationship history rather than assuming a character’s traits belong to the actor. You can follow Eric’s current projects like his Just Jack & Will podcast to hear him discuss these legacy issues in his own words. If you're interested in the evolution of LGBTQ+ representation, comparing the original Will & Grace run to its 2017 revival offers a fascinating look at how much—and how little—the conversation has changed.