Sean Hayes

After gaining notice for a series of Dorito's commercials and the gay indie "Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss" (1998), Sean Hayes earned a place in comedy history for his role on network TV's first gay-character-helmed sitcom, "Will & Grace" (NBC, 1998-2006). For eight highly-rated seasons, his role of Jack - the flamboyant sidekick of a straitlaced gay lawyer (Eric McCormack) - was not only a favorite of viewers but was a significant catalyst for more widespread acceptance of the gay community in the general media. The Emmy-winning Hayes weathered criticism for playing coy as to his own sexuality during the show's run, but came out in 2010, finding himself at the center of a media controversy about the ability of gay actors to play "straight." Outside of his firm footing as a major player in primetime, Hayes primarily appeared in character roles on the big screen, demonstrating his wisecracking charm and impeccable comic timing.