Primetime Emmy Tally: One
How He Got the Gold: As outstanding lead actor in a comedy series, for NBC's Will & Grace (2001).
Now for the Noms: Three more lead-actor nods for Will & Grace (2000, '03 and'05).
Early Adopter: "There was no deciding about becoming an actor. From about age seven, that was what I was going to be. Period."
Sweet Dream: "In 1997 my dream had become pretty specific: I wanted to be on a must-see TV comedy, preferably directed by James Burrows. So Will [Truman] was a gift."
Revolutionary Road: "Will & Grace was daring, for sure — some of the writing is as racy now as it was when we shot it. But who knew it would have the influence it's had? People forget that Will married two guys, played by Taye Diggs and Bobby Cannavale. And that was 10 years ago!"
Emmy Memory: "The night I won my Emmy was right after 9/11, so you had to temper your excitement. My fellow Canadian, Kim Cattrall, presented it to me. After I won, I called my parents in Toronto, expecting cheers and tears. Instead, my dad very solemnly reported that the cable had gone out about 10 minutes before my category and that my mom had gone ballistic. It was a very odd night."
Smart Set: "One of my favorite memories from Will & Grace was the flashback scene with Debra Messing, in which Will comes out to Grace. That was my Emmy-winning episode. But when I look at my Emmy, I always think of Don Adams. Get Smart was my favorite show growing up, and he won three lead-actor awards in the same category, which will always mean a lot to me."
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This article originally appeared in emmy magazine, Issue No. 6, 2016
