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Sean Hayes takes on new role as Oscar Levant in London

Sean Hayes steps into the role of Oscar Levant in the play Good Night, Oscar, showcasing his piano skills.

August 7, 2025 at 07:37 AM
blur Sean Hayes: ‘I love Will & Grace but even when I was in it, I was like, OK, what’s the plan to get out of this?’

Sean Hayes discusses his career shift and the role of Oscar Levant in a new interview.

Sean Hayes embraces new challenges as he takes on Oscar Levant role

Sean Hayes, famous for his role as Jack in the sitcom Will & Grace, is stepping into a new chapter of his career as he portrays Oscar Levant in the Tony-winning play Good Night, Oscar. The show, which has moved from New York to London, allows Hayes to showcase not just his talent as an actor but also his skill as a classical pianist. Hayes reflects on the demanding nature of the role, noting Levant's struggles with mental health and addiction, which add complexity to his character. After years of hard work to carve out his path, Hayes feels ready now, acknowledging that he did not want to rush his journey.

Key Takeaways

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Sean Hayes transitions from sitcom star to theatrical lead.
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His role in Good Night, Oscar highlights his classical piano skills.
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Hayes reflects on the challenges of being typecast after Will & Grace.
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The actor has been open about his mental health experiences.
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He considers the role of Levant a significant learning opportunity.
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Hayes's path shows the importance of patience in a long career.

"Nobody would have ever cast me in this role"

Hayes reflects on the rarity of getting such a complex role after years in comedy.

"We educated America without them knowing it, and we did it through comedy"

Hayes explains how Will & Grace contributed to social acceptance through humor.

"I think it’s healing for me to just talk about it, whether to two people or 20 million people"

Hayes shares the importance of discussing personal health on his podcast.

"Had this come to fruition earlier, I don’t know that I would have been ready"

Hayes addresses the timing of his career shift and personal readiness for new roles.

Hayes's shift to a challenging role such as Levant represents a significant evolution in his career. While many actors become typecast, Hayes has managed to break free from Jack's shadow, seizing this chance to leverage his long-neglected musical talent. Furthermore, his reflections on personal history and mental health bring depth to his performance. It appears that Hayes is not only reinventing himself but also engaging in broader conversations about mental health, both in art and society. This could inspire others in the industry to pursue similarly bold projects.

Highlights

  • Oscar Levant's complexity has inspired my theatrical journey.
  • This role is a chance to showcase all my talents.
  • Admitting struggles with mental health is a brave act.
  • I love performing, no matter the size of the audience.

Potential backlash regarding representation and performance

Hayes' role as Oscar Levant may draw scrutiny based on Hollywood's ongoing dialogue about representation and mental health issues. The complexity of Levant's character, including his struggles with addiction and mental health, can evoke public reactions, both positive and negative.

The journey of reinvention for actors like Hayes highlights the evolving nature of career growth in entertainment.

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