Chicago native Sean Hayes -- the youngest of five children -- was born June 26, 1970, and kicked off his showbiz career while attending Illinois State University. After sharpening his comic skills with the renowned Second City improv troupe, he landed stand-up gigs in his hometown and in Los Angeles.

In 1995, Hayes relocated to the City of Angels, where he made his big-screen debut as the title character in the 1998 indie flick Billy's Hollywood Screen Kiss. The role indirectly led to Hayes being cast (opposite Eric McCormack) as gay would-be actor Jack McFarland on the hit TV series "Will & Grace," for which Hayes chalked up seven consecutive Emmy nods, winning the award in 2000.

Hayes's other acting credits include TV guest appearances on "Silk Stalkings" and "Scrubs," voice work in the family comedy Cats & Dogs (2001) and the 2002 television biopic Martin and Lewis.