Sean grew up in the Chicago suburb of Glen Ellyn, Illinois. His father, Ron, a lithographer, left him and his four siblings when Sean was a young child. Sean says he hasn't seen his father in more than 10 years. His mother, Mary, works at a food bank. Sean attended Illinois State University where he studied music and theatre. He supported himself through his college years by playing piano for voice lessons and working in community theater. He played a stint with the Second City comedy troupe and then became a musical director for a local theater. He grew tired of that after a while and in the spring of 1995, moved to LA. He got a "hellish" job at a restaurant. His first big break was landing a national tour with Kenny Rogers for a Christmas show. In 1997, he got a series of commercials that gained him attention and led to his eventual role on "Will & Grace" (1998).

Attended Illinois State University in 1992, where he studied music and theatre.

As a teenager, Sean Hayes was an extra in Winona Ryder's first movie Lucas (1986) -- filmed at Sean's High School in Glen Ellyn, Ill.

Drives a Toyota Camry.

The first thing he bought after he made some money was a concert grand piano.

He saved a man's life in 2001. Courtney Cunninghan, 33, reported that two men stopped him near the driveway of his Los Angeles home, and then robbed him and shot him in the leg. Hayes who was driving in L.A.'s mid-Wilshire district when he noticed Cunningham lying in the street. The actor then pulled over to help the victim, ripping off his shirt and pressing it against Cunningham's wound to stop the bleeding. He then called 911 on his cell phone and waited for paramedics to arrive.

Born on the same day as actor Chris O'Donnell.

Close friends with actress Rosa Blasi; attended her wedding to Giants Fullback Jim Finn on February 14, 2004.

Was listed as a potential nominee on the 2004 Razzie Award nominating ballot. He was suggested in the Worst Supporting Actor category for his performance in the film The Cat in the Hat (2003), however, he failed to receive a nomination.

Won the 2006 SAG award for an Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series for his role as Jack McFarland on "Will & Grace" (1998). He was also nominated in 2005, but lost out to "Monk" (2002) actor Tony Shalhoub.

Classically trained pianist.

He is the youngest of the "Will & Grace" (1998) cast.

Wanted to start a spin off series of "_Will & Grace_1998_ , but after seeing what happened to Joey on NBC, he decided against it.