Reviving the Magic: The Return of 'Will & Grace'

This TV season’s revival of "Will & Grace" has brought back much of the charm and humor that made the original NBC sitcom such a beloved hit. Fans were thrilled to see their favorite characters back in action, but one familiar face was noticeably absent—Shelley Morrison, the talented actress who played Rosario, Karen’s long-suffering housekeeper. So, what happened? Let's dive into the story behind her absence.

Shelley Morrison's Journey

For those who may not know, Shelley Morrison, now 81 years old, brought Rosario to life with her sharp wit and comedic timing. She made her last on-screen appearance in a 2016 election-themed reunion video filmed by the cast. That was her first appearance in over a decade, and fans were hopeful she’d reprise the role when the show returned. However, co-creator Max Mutchnick shared some bittersweet news during a press tour with the Television Critics Association this summer.

shelley morrison 'will & grace' getty images

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Max Mutchnick explained to reporters, “Shelley has decided to retire. It was with a heavy heart that she gave us that information and that we received it, but it is the way that it goes. It is a choice that she has made.” The decision wasn’t easy, but the creators respected her choice and had to figure out how to address her absence in a way that felt authentic to the show.

Writing Rosario Out of the Show

Max was clear that the writers weren’t going to keep Rosario lurking offscreen, like Karen’s ex-husband Stan. "We’re not going to be doing that," Max emphasized. The audience had grown to love Rosario, and the creators felt it was important to give her a proper farewell. They wanted to handle her departure with care and respect for the character's legacy within the show.

Ultimately, the writers decided to write Rosario's character out of the show by having her pass away in the world of "Will & Grace," as revealed in the Nov. 2 episode. Co-creator David Kohan told Variety after the episode aired, “The character felt too much a part of the fabric of the show to just dismiss it with a line or two or an explanation. It felt like it merited more of a loving farewell.”