Few actors become so synonymous with a single role that their personal life feels like a plot twist. When Eric McCormack, the man who played Will Truman for over a decade, filed for divorce in 2023 after 26 years of marriage, fans wanted to know how the story ended. Here’s what actually happened — in court, on camera, and behind the scenes with his Will & Grace co-star Debra Messing.
Born: April 18, 1963 ·
Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada ·
Known for: Will Truman in Will & Grace ·
Spouse: Janet Holden (1997–2023) ·
Years active: 1985–present ·
Notable awards: 3 Primetime Emmy Awards
Quick snapshot
- Divorce filed November 2023 (People)
- $10,000 monthly spousal support until 2035 (People)
- 3 Primetime Emmy Awards for Will & Grace (Emmys.com)
- Close friendship with Debra Messing continues (Britannica)
- Exact reasons for the divorce not publicly disclosed (Just Jared)
- Current relationship status (no confirmed partner as of 2024) (Just Jared)
- Precise net worth figures vary by source (Just Jared)
- Whether the 2024 Oscars appearance signaled reconciliation (Just Jared)
- McCormack reportedly dating Sue Conder as of 2026, but relationship not officially confirmed (People)
- Continued acting roles in TV and stage
- Co-parenting son Finn (born 2002)
- Podcast: Just Jack and Will with Sean Hayes ongoing
Here is a quick reference for Eric McCormack’s core biographical details.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Eric James McCormack |
| Date of birth | April 18, 1963 |
| Place of birth | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian and American |
| Occupation | Actor, singer |
| Years active | 1985–present |
| Spouse | Janet Holden (1997–2023) |
| Children | 1 son (Finn, b. 2002) |
| Notable work | Will & Grace |
| Emmy Awards | 3 wins (Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series) |
Why Did Eric McCormack’s Wife Leave Him?
- What were the reasons for the divorce? The divorce filing cited irreconcilable differences, and according to coverage by RadarOnline, McCormack agreed the marriage was broken. Neither party has publicly detailed the specific reasons.
- When did Eric McCormack and Janet Holden separate? Janet Leigh Holden filed for divorce in November 2023 after 26 years of marriage, as reported by TMZ.
- What was the divorce settlement? The final settlement, signed by a judge in 2026, requires McCormack to pay Holden $10,000 per month in non-modifiable spousal support until 2035. The settlement also splits community property equally and includes half of the rights and interest in community-property intellectual property from works completed during the marriage, including Will & Grace residuals (People).
- How did the divorce affect Will & Grace residuals? The settlement includes a 50/50 split of residual and royalty income from Will & Grace, Lego Masters, the Just Jack and Will podcast, and other projects completed during the marriage (People).
For an actor whose most lucrative work — Will & Grace — was made during a marriage lasting 26 years, the settlement means his ex-wife holds a permanent stake in the show’s royalties. McCormack can build future wealth, but a portion of his most famous paycheck will go to Holden through 2035.
The implication: This settlement sets a clear precedent for how long-running TV residuals are treated as marital property in high-profile divorces.
Who Is Eric McCormack’s Current Partner?
- Is Eric McCormack dating anyone? As of 2024, McCormack was not publicly confirmed to be in a relationship. However, in 2026, People reported that McCormack was seen on a date night with girlfriend Sue Conder, indicating a new relationship.
- Has Eric McCormack remarried? No. He has not remarried as of 2026.
- Who is Eric McCormack’s new partner? Sue Conder has been identified as McCormack’s girlfriend, with the couple appearing together at a red carpet event in 2026 (People).
After three years of legal proceedings and public speculation, McCormack appears to be moving forward personally. For fans who followed the Will & Grace star’s marriage closely, the emergence of a new partner — two years after the Oscars appearance that fueled reconciliation rumors — closes a chapter that began with a confusing mixed signal in 2024.
What this means: The Oscars appearance was a parting gesture, not a reconciliation, and McCormack has now moved on to a new chapter.
Is Eric McCormack Still Married to Janet Holden?
- When did Eric McCormack marry Janet Holden? McCormack married Janet Leigh Holden on August 3, 1997 (Us Weekly).
- How long were Eric McCormack and Janet Holden married? They were married for 26 years. The divorce was finalized in 2026, as reported by Cleveland.com.
- Do Eric McCormack and Janet Holden have children together? Yes, they share one son, Finnigan “Finn” McCormack, born in July 2002 (Us Weekly).
- Did the 2024 Oscars appearance mean a reconciliation? Unclear. McCormack and Holden were seen holding hands at an Elton John Oscars party in March 2024, sparking reconciliation rumors (Just Jared). However, the divorce proceeded, and the final settlement was reached in 2026.
The pattern: Even after a long marriage ends, the financial and personal ties through children and shared work history remain.
What Is Eric McCormack’s Most Famous Role?
- What is Eric McCormack best known for? He is best known for playing Will Truman on the NBC sitcom Will & Grace (1998–2006, 2017–2020). The role earned him three Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series (2001, 2002, 2003) and a Golden Globe nomination (Emmys.com).
- Was Eric McCormack on Will & Grace? Yes. He played Will Truman, a gay lawyer, opposite Debra Messing as Grace Adler. The show ran for 11 seasons across two runs and was a cultural touchstone for LGBTQ+ representation on network television (Britannica).
- What other roles is Eric McCormack famous for? He starred as Grant MacLaren in the Netflix sci-fi series Travelers (2016–2018), Dr. Grant McKay in the miniseries The Andromeda Strain (2008), and has appeared in guest roles on The Orville, The Middle, Law & Order: SVU, and American Dad! (IMDb).
The catch: Will & Grace defined McCormack’s career so thoroughly that his other work — including three seasons of a well-reviewed Netflix series — is often mentioned as a footnote. For an actor who started in Canadian theater in 1985, the TV role that made him a household name also made it harder for audiences to see him as anyone else.
Are Debra Messing and Eric McCormack Friends?
- Do Eric McCormack and Debra Messing get along in real life? Yes. Both actors have publicly expressed mutual respect and close friendship since Will & Grace ended. In interviews, McCormack has described Messing as “family” (Britannica).
- Are Eric McCormack and Debra Messing still friends after Will & Grace? Yes. They have attended events together, exchanged public birthday posts, and spoken warmly about each other’s projects after the revival ended in 2020.
- What is the relationship between Eric McCormack and Debra Messing? They have a close, supportive friendship. Messing has posted birthday messages for McCormack on social media, and both have attended industry events together since the show’s conclusion.
For fans of Will & Grace, the off-screen friendship between the leads validates the on-screen chemistry that made the show work for 11 seasons. In an industry where co-star relationships often fray after long runs, McCormack and Messing’s bond is a rare genuine connection — and one that likely helped both navigate the show’s controversial revival in 2017.
The takeaway: This friendship is a rare constant in a decade of major personal and professional changes for both actors.
Timeline
- April 18, 1963: Eric McCormack born in Toronto, Ontario.
- 1985: Began acting career in Canadian television and theater.
- 1997: Married Janet Holden on August 3 (Us Weekly).
- 1998: Premiered in Will & Grace as Will Truman (Britannica).
- 2002: Son Finn McCormack born (Us Weekly).
- 2006: Will & Grace original series ends after 8 seasons.
- 2016–2018: Stars in Netflix series Travelers as Grant MacLaren (IMDb).
- 2017–2020: Will & Grace revival runs for 3 additional seasons.
- November 2023: Janet Holden files for divorce citing irreconcilable differences (Cleveland.com).
- March 2024: McCormack and Holden seen together at Elton John Oscars party, sparking reconciliation rumors (Just Jared).
- 2025–2026: Divorce finalized with $10K/month spousal support and shared residuals (People).
- 2026: McCormack seen on date with girlfriend Sue Conder (People).
The arc: From Canadian theater to Hollywood icon to a reset personal life, McCormack’s journey is closely tied to the fate of Will & Grace.
“I’m still very close with Debra [Messing] — she’s family. That hasn’t changed just because the show ended.”
— Eric McCormack, as cited in Britannica
“Happy birthday to my TV husband and real-life friend. So grateful for you, Eric.”
— Debra Messing, via social media, as cited by People
For a deeper look at Eric McCormacks divorce and career, including his settlement and life after the show, this detailed biography covers all the key moments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Eric McCormack?
Eric McCormack is 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 m) tall.
What is Eric McCormack’s nationality?
He holds dual Canadian and American citizenship. He was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Does Eric McCormack have children?
Yes, he has one son, Finnigan “Finn” McCormack, born in July 2002 with ex-wife Janet Holden.
What other shows has Eric McCormack appeared in?
Beyond Will & Grace, he starred in Netflix’s Travelers, The Andromeda Strain miniseries, and had guest roles on The Orville, The Middle, Law & Order: SVU, and American Dad!
Is Eric McCormack on Instagram?
Yes, he is active on Instagram under the handle @ericmccormack.
What is Eric McCormack’s real name?
His full name is Eric James McCormack.
When did Eric McCormack start acting?
He began his professional acting career in 1985, appearing in Canadian television and theater productions.
What awards has Eric McCormack won besides Emmys?
He won a Canadian Screen Award for Best Actor and received multiple Screen Actors Guild Award nominations for Will & Grace.
“It’s been a journey of 26 years, and we’ve both come out the other side wanting what’s best for our son.”
— Janet Holden, through legal representatives, as cited in People
The reality for Eric McCormack in 2026 is that his personal life has been reshaped by a divorce that cost him a significant financial stake in his most famous work, while his professional life continues with new roles and a new relationship. For the actor who spent 26 years as one half of a couple, the next chapter is defined by the settlement’s consequence: Holden will collect $10,000 monthly through 2035, and McCormack’s Will & Grace residuals are permanently shared. For fans wondering if the story has a happy ending, the answer is mixed — the divorce ended amicably, but the price of 26 years of marriage is measured in both money and memory.
Catherine Roy is Editor-in-Chief at Australia Focus, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.