Sean Hayes
Personal details
  • Born:
    • Birthday: 1970-06-26
    • Born Place: Glen Ellyn, Illinois, USA
  • Also Known As:

    Sean P. Hayes, Sean Patrick Hayes, شان هيس

Sean Hayes

Sean Patrick Hayes is an American actor, comedian, and producer best known for his award-winning work across television, film, and theatre. Born in Evergreen Park, Illinois, on June 26, 1970, Hayes was raised in the Chicago suburb of Glen Ellyn. He studied piano performance and conducting at Illinois State University, later working as a classical pianist and music director before honing his comedy skills at The Second City in Chicago. He gained wide attention with his professional film debut in the independent movie Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss (1998), which quickly led to his most famous role: the flamboyantly gay, frequently unemployed actor Jack McFarland on the hit NBC sitcom Will & Grace (1998–2006, 2017–2020). His work on the show earned him a Primetime Emmy Award and four Screen Actors Guild Awards, along with six Golden Globe nominations.Beyond television, Hayes is an accomplished stage actor, most notably winning the Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Play in 2023 for his critically acclaimed portrayal of pianist Oscar Levant in Good Night, Oscar. His other Broadway work includes a Tony nomination for the musical revival of Promises, Promises (2010) and starring as God in the comedy An Act of God (2016). His film credits include Martin and Lewis (2002), Pieces of April (2003), The Cat in the Hat (2003), The Bucket List (2007), and The Three Stooges (2012), as well as voice work in films like Cats & Dogs and Igor. As a producer, he co-founded Hazy Mills Productions, which has developed series like Grimm and Hot in Cleveland. He also co-hosts the popular podcast SmartLess with Jason Bateman and Will Arnett. Hayes lives in Los Angeles with his husband, Scott Icenogle.

Person History