Before he became a household name as Will Truman on the beloved sitcom Will & Grace, Eric McCormack faced his fair share of challenges in Hollywood. In a candid conversation, the actor revealed the struggles he endured during auditions and the pivotal moment when his manager suggested he lose weight to secure more roles in the late '90s.
A Struggle in the Spotlight: Eric McCormack's Early Days
Back in 1997, Eric, now 57, auditioned for a part on Jenny McCarthy's short-lived series, Jenny. During this time, he encountered a turning point in his career when his former manager, Joan Hyler, delivered some tough but ultimately transformative advice. Joan bluntly told Eric that if he wanted to land more roles, he needed to address his weight. This was a wake-up call that would change the trajectory of his career.
The Unseen Challenges of Hollywood
Eric, a native of Calgary, reflected on his experience with humor, noting that during the harsh Canadian winters, it was easy to hide the effects of indulging in beer under layers of clothing and a beard. However, once he shaved off the beard, the reality of his weight gain became glaringly obvious. "When the beard came off, wow! I was not going to be on Melrose Place the next day, let’s put it that way," he admitted. "And I was in denial about it."
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The Turning Point: A Manager's Honest Feedback
Eric shared that after an initial audition for Jenny, things seemed to be going well. However, with the final audition two weeks away, Joan pulled no punches. "My manager at the time... God bless her, she said, 'You’ve got two weeks... get your face back,'" Eric recalled. While this feedback was tough to hear, it marked a significant turning point in his career. Determined to succeed, Eric embraced the challenge and ultimately secured the role of Jason Slade on Jenny.
From Jenny to Will & Grace: A Career Reborn
"By the time I got to the pilot... I had discovered the new unbearded me," Eric joked. His hard work and dedication paid off when he landed the role that would define his career: Will Truman on Will & Grace. The show, which premiered in 1998, became a cultural phenomenon, running for eight seasons before a successful revival in 2017.
