Emmy-winning actor Sean Hayes, best known for his role as Jack McFarland on the NBC comedy "Will & Grace," was named Tuesday the recipient of a GLAAD award for promoting LGBTQ acceptance.
Hayes, 48, will receive the advocacy organization's Stephen F. Kolzak Award during the 30th annual GLAAD Media Awards on March 28 in Los Angeles.
"Sean's portrayal of Jack changed countless hearts and minds, and increased LGBTQ visibility at a time in history when representation and inclusion were low," according to GLAAD President/CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. "On screen and off screen, Sean uses his platforms to advance stories and messages that make the world laugh, make the world think and further acceptance of all."
The award is named for a "legendary casting director who devoted his life to raising awareness in the entertainment industry about the discrimination faced by LGBTQ people as well as people living with HIV," according to the organization.
Previous honorees include Jim Parsons, Ellen DeGeneres, Ruby Rose, Chaz Bono, Wanda Sykes, Melissa Etheridge and Sir Ian McKellen.
Hayes took to Twitter to thank GLAAD for the honor.
"I've always hoped that my work was in some way making a positive impact," he wrote. "As you can imagine, this means the world to me."
