Debra Messing Talks Will & Grace Cast: ‘We’re Family Forever’

It’s been eight years since “Will & Grace” aired its final episode, but Debra Messing says she and her former castmates will always share an unbreakable friendship.

“The bond between Eric [McCormack] and I, it’s incredibly, incredibly special,” Debra told Access Hollywood Live’s Billy Bush and Kit Hoover.

“I mean all four of us, we’re family forever,” she added, referencing former co-stars Sean Hayes and Megan Mullally.

Sean, who has gone on to great things including numerous TV guest stints, a new NBC sitcom called “Sean Saves the World,” and heading up a production company which produces “Grimm,” “Hollywood Game Night” and “Hot in Cleveland,” was just 20 when he landed his role on “Will & Grace.”

“It was his first job on television besides a commercial,” Debra said. “I remember at the time feeling like he was my little brother – you know, just sort of telling him what TV was like – and so even though he’s this huge producer, actor, and a grown man, obviously, there’s always that little kind of connection.”

The two recently co-starred on NBC’s “Smash,” which was canceled after its second season.

Despite the disappointing early end, Debra said she’s made peace with the cancellation.

“I would be lying if I didn’t say I was disappointed,” she said. “That pilot was so special and the cast was so amazing, and that world is so special and what it could have become. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to realize it. It’s an incredibly complicated thing to produce and you know… very expensive…

“I think that we were all just really grateful to have the second season,” she added. “And just for me to be able to go and watch [the cast] sing and dance, and to spend time with Angelica Houston and Christian Borle – I mean the cast is just insane and we’re all really close friends, and all great things came out of it. So I only have big love in my heart for ‘Smash.’”

— Erin O’Sullivan

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