Sean Hayes

Sean Hayes: biography

Sean Hayes is an American actor, comedian, musician and producer. Hayes is best known for his role as Jack McFarland on the television sitcom "Will & Grace," which aired from 1998 to 2006 and then returned for a revival from 2017 to 2020.

Childhood and youth

Sean Hayes, born on June 26, 1970, in Evergreen Park, Illinois, spent his childhood and youth exploring his passion for entertainment. From an early age, he displayed a natural inclination towards performing arts and comedy. Growing up, Hayes participated in school plays and community theater productions, honing his acting skills and developing a comedic flair.

During his high school years at Glenbard West High School, Hayes actively engaged in various theatrical productions, showcasing his talent and dedication to his craft. He continued his education at Illinois State University, where he studied performance and theater. It was during his college years that Hayes discovered his talent for improvisational comedy, becoming involved in improvisation groups and further refining his comedic abilities.

Following his graduation, Hayes embarked on his professional career in the entertainment industry. He initially pursued stand-up comedy, performing at clubs and comedy festivals across the country. His unique blend of humor and charm soon caught the attention of industry professionals, opening doors to opportunities in television and film.

Throughout his childhood and youth, Sean Hayes nurtured his passion for performing arts, developing his talents through school, college, and early professional experiences. His dedication, combined with his innate comedic abilities, laid the foundation for a successful career in the entertainment industry.

Movie career

Sean Hayes has had a notable movie career alongside his television success. While he is widely recognized for his role as Jack McFarland on the sitcom "Will & Grace," Hayes has also appeared in a range of films, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

One of Hayes' early film roles was in the 1998 romantic comedy "Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss," where he played the lead role of Billy Collier, a gay photographer searching for love. This performance demonstrated his ability to bring humor and charm to a character, earning him critical praise.

In 2007, Hayes starred alongside Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman in the film "The Bucket List." He portrayed the character of Matthew, the personal assistant to Nicholson's character. The movie, which tells the story of two terminally ill men who embark on a journey to fulfill their bucket list, showcased Hayes' ability to handle more dramatic roles.

Hayes also embraced his comedic side in films such as "The Three Stooges" (2012), where he portrayed the character of Larry, one of the iconic Stooges. His physical comedy skills and comedic timing added to the film's slapstick humor.

Additionally, Hayes has lent his voice to animated films, showcasing his talent for voice acting. In the 2013 Pixar film "Monsters University," he voiced the character Terri Perry, a conjoined twin monster. He also provided the voice for the character of Gene, the meh emoji, in the 2017 film "The Emoji Movie."

Aside from his on-screen work, Sean Hayes has also taken on producing roles in the film industry. Through his production company, Hazy Mills Productions, he has been involved in projects such as "Lazy Susan" (2020), where he also starred as the titular character. This further highlights his ability to multitask and contribute behind the scenes.

In 2022, Sean Hayes took on the role of pianist Oscar Levant in the play "Good Night, Oscar" written by Doug Wright. The play made its debut at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago, showcasing Hayes' exceptional talent. His portrayal of Oscar Levant received critical acclaim and garnered rave reviews from audiences and critics alike.

Hayes's remarkable performance led him to reprise the role on Broadway at the Belasco Theatre, starting in April 2023. Once again, his portrayal of Oscar Levant captivated audiences and showcased his acting prowess. His outstanding performance in the play earned him widespread recognition, including a highly coveted Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play. This prestigious accolade recognized Hayes' exceptional abilities and his ability to bring the complex character of Oscar Levant to life.

Furthermore, Hayes was honored with the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play. Sharing this recognition with the talented actress Jessica Chastain, who was also awarded for her performance in "A Doll's House," further highlights the caliber of Hayes' acting and the impact he made in the theatrical world.

Sean Hayes' movie career has allowed him to explore a variety of roles, from comedic to dramatic, showcasing his range as an actor. Whether in live-action or animated films, Hayes continues to leave his mark on the big screen with his talent and charisma.

Personal life

Hayes is openly gay and came out publicly in 2010. He has been in a long-term relationship with his husband, Scott Icenogle, a music composer and producer. The couple got married in a private ceremony in 2014 after being together for several years. They have kept their relationship out of the spotlight, preferring to maintain a low-key and private personal life.

In interviews, Hayes has expressed gratitude for the love and support he has received from his family and friends throughout his journey. He has also been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has used his platform to raise awareness and promote equality.

In February 2013, Sean Hayes was honored with an honorary PhD from Illinois State University, recognizing his achievements and contributions to the entertainment industry.

Throughout his journey, Sean Hayes has approached discussions about his personal life with a level of discretion, but he has taken steps to embrace his identity and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. His marriage to Scott Icenogle and his willingness to speak about his experiences have helped foster conversations and promote acceptance in the public sphere.

Filmography

Film:

• A&P (1996)
• Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss (1998)
• Buzz Lightyear of Star Command: The Adventure Begins (2000)
• Cats & Dogs (2001)
• Pieces of April (2003)
• The Cat in the Hat (2003)
• Win a Date with Tad Hamilton! (2004)
• Roberto the Insect Architect (2005)
• The Bucket List (2007)
• Soul Men (2008)
• Igor (2008)
• Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore (2010)
• The Three Stooges (2012)
• Hit and Run (2012)
• Monsters University (2013)
• How Murray Saved Christmas (2014)
• The Emoji Movie (2017)
• Lazy Susan (2020)
• Am I OK? (2022)
• Television:
• Silk Stalkings (1996)
• Rugrats (2001)
• Scrubs (2001)
• Saturday Night Live (2001)
• Martin and Lewis (2002)
• Tom Goes to the Mayor (2006)
• Lovespring International (2006)
• Will & Grace: Say Goodnight Gracie (2006)
• 30 Rock (2007)
• Man Stroke Woman (2008)
• Hot in Cleveland (2010-2015)
• Grimm (2011-2017)
• The Soul Man (2012-2016)
• Portlandia (2012)
• Parks and Recreation (2012)
• Smash (2013)
• American Dad! (2013)
• Hollywood Game Night (2013-2020)
• The Late Late Show (2015)
• Hairspray Live! (2016)
• Tangled: The Series (2017-2020)
• Jimmy Kimmel Live! (2020,2022)
• Murderville - Santa Claus (2022)
• Lego Masters (2022)

Awards

Primetime Emmy Award:

• Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series (Won, 2000)

Golden Globe Award:

• Best Supporting Actor - Television (Nominated, 2000)

Screen Actors Guild Awards:

• Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series (Won, 2001, 2002, 2003)

Tony Award:

• Best Actor in a Musical (Nominated, 2011)

Audie Awards:

• Audiobook of the Year (Won, 2010)

Jeff Award:

• Performer in a Principal Role in a Play (Won, 2022)

Drama Desk Award:

• Outstanding Performance in a Play (Won, 2023)

Drama League Award:

• Outstanding Distinguished Performer (Nominated, 2023)

Outer Critics Circle Awards:

• Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Play (Won, 2023)