Megan Mullally (born November 12, 1958) is an American actress, singer, and comedian. She is best known for her iconic portrayal of Karen Walker on the NBC sitcom Will & Grace, a role for which she received critical acclaim and multiple awards.
Mullally was born in Los Angeles, California to Martha and Carter Mullally, Jr. Her father was an actor who had a contract with Paramount Pictures in the 1950s. At the age of six, Mullally moved to her father’s native Oklahoma City, where she would spend her childhood. She is of English, Irish, and Scandinavian descent.
From a young age, Mullally displayed a talent for performing. She began studying ballet at the age of six and became a member of the Oklahoma City Ballet during high school. She further honed her skills by attending the School of American Ballet in New York City. Mullally’s dedication to her craft led her to pursue a career in acting, and she attended Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. There, she studied English literature and art history. However, her passion for acting grew too strong, and she made the decision to drop out of Northwestern to pursue her dreams.
Mullally’s breakthrough came in the 1990s when she landed guest-starring roles on popular sitcoms such as Seinfeld, Frasier, Wings, and Mad About You. These appearances showcased her comedic talent and versatility, leading to more significant opportunities. In 1998, Mullally was cast as Karen Walker on the groundbreaking series Will & Grace. Her portrayal of the wealthy, boisterous, and unapologetically outspoken Karen resonated with audiences and quickly became a fan favorite.
Her remarkable performance on Will & Grace earned her eight Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, winning the award twice, in 2000 and 2006. Mullally also received nominations for numerous other accolades, including seven consecutive Screen Actors Guild Awards nominations, of which she won three times. Additionally, she received four Golden Globe Award nominations for her portrayal of Karen.
Following the conclusion of Will & Grace’s original run in 2006, Mullally showcased her versatility by taking on a variety of roles in both television and film. She hosted her talk show, The Megan Mullally Show, from 2006 to 2007, and went on to appear as a series regular on shows such as Party Down, Childrens Hospital, and Breaking In. Mullally also made memorable guest appearances and recurring roles on comedy series including Parks and Recreation, 30 Rock, and Bob’s Burgers.
In addition to her success on television, Mullally has ventured into the world of film. She has appeared in movies such as Smashed (2012), The Kings of Summer (2013), and Why Him (2016), showcasing her ability to seamlessly transition between mediums.
Mullally’s impact extends beyond her impressive acting career. She has become an influential figure in women’s history, breaking barriers and paving the way for female comedians. With her memorable portrayal of Karen Walker, Mullally challenged stereotypes and broadened the representation of women in comedy.
Throughout her career, Megan Mullally has proven herself to be a talented and versatile entertainer. Her commitment to her craft, comedic timing, and memorable performances have solidified her status as an iconic figure in the entertainment industry.
Awards:
– Primetime Emmy Awards:
– Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (2000, 2006)
– Screen Actors Guild Awards:
– Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series (2001, 2002, 2003)
– Golden Globe Awards:
– Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television (nomination)