Megan Mullally

Megan Mullally's path to becoming Karen Walker, the vodka-soaked, morally unmoored socialite of 'Will & Grace', was anything but direct. A trained dancer and singer from Los Angeles, she spent years in the theater world and in small film and TV roles, honing a precise, almost musical sense of comic rhythm. When she walked into the audition for Karen, she unleashed a specific, unhinged energy that the show's creators instantly knew was gold. Her performance—a masterclass in controlled chaos, complete with a signature cackle and withering delivery—stole scenes for eight seasons and became a cultural touchstone. Beyond the sitcom, she has consistently returned to her musical roots, performing with her band Nancy and Frank and starring in Broadway productions. Mullally proved that a supporting character, played with fearless commitment and impeccable skill, could define an era of television comedy.