Petite and perky, Megan Mullally always had a kind of spark that stood out—even if you didn’t know her name right away. Her small frame might’ve made her easy to overlook at first glance, but anyone who saw Megan Mullally perform quickly realized she was anything but ordinary. A true triple-threat, Megan Mullally shone as an actress, dancer, and vocalist, eventually becoming one of television’s most beloved comedic forces. Of course, it was her unforgettable role as the delightfully sarcastic and perpetually tipsy Karen Walker on the smash hit “Will & Grace” (1998–2006) that truly catapulted Megan Mullally into the spotlight.
Early in her career, Megan Mullally almost landed the lead female role in “Risky Business” (1983)—a near-miss that could’ve changed everything. Still, she kept pushing forward, taking on smaller film roles like the one in “Last Resort” (1986), and even headlining a short-lived sitcom, “The Ellen Burstyn Show” (ABC, 1986–87), which unfortunately didn’t take off. But Megan Mullally wasn’t one to give up. She built momentum with standout performances in major Broadway revivals, including “Grease” (1994) and “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” (1995). These roles showcased her range and set the stage for what would become her career-defining moment.
Then came Karen Walker—a character so sharp, so outrageously funny, and so perfectly played by Megan Mullally that fans couldn’t get enough. Over eight seasons, Megan Mullally turned Karen into a pop culture icon, earning multiple awards and cementing her status as a comedy legend. After “Will & Grace” wrapped, Megan Mullally stayed busy—launching “The Megan Mullally Show,” a syndicated daytime talk series that ran from 2006 to 2007. Though short-lived, it gave fans another chance to see her charm in action.
Never one to slow down, Megan Mullally continued performing with her band, Supreme Music Program, blending humor and music in a way only she could. She also made memorable guest appearances on shows like “Parks and Recreation” (NBC, 2008–15), where she shared scenes with none other than her real-life husband, actor Nick Offerman—a pairing fans adored. With her wit, talent, and unmistakable presence, Megan Mullally proved time and again that she was much more than just a sitcom star.
Even though Megan Mullally has explored so many creative avenues—from stage to screen to music—it’s hard to imagine her legacy without thinking of Karen Walker. That role, brought to life with such flair and comedic precision by Megan Mullally, remains her most iconic. And while Megan Mullally will surely be remembered for her versatility, it’s that lovable lush, Karen, who forever linked Megan Mullally’s name to laughter, loyalty, and legendary TV moments.
Megan Mullally has had quite a diverse acting career over the years, and among all her film roles, her highest rated movie happens to be Ernest & Celestine from 2012. On the flip side, one of her lowest rated films is Stealing Harvard, which came out back in 2002. While Megan Mullally is perhaps best known for her television work, her filmography includes a mix of both critically acclaimed and less favorably reviewed movies.