Debra Messing has often been compared to comedy legend Lucille Ball due to her comedic chops and signature red hair. However, the actress never imagined she’d get the opportunity to step into Ball’s shoes — until “Will & Grace” decided to pay tribute to the iconic I Love Lucy show.
The emotional experience came full circle when Ball’s daughter, Lucie Arnaz, visited Messing in her dressing room during filming. Recalling that powerful moment on the Variety After-Show, Messing shared, “I was in the green dress [for the song and dance number] when Lucie walked in, looked at me, and hugged me. She said, ‘This feels really good. It’s been a long time since I’ve hugged you,’ and everyone started to cry.”
Messing, a lifelong fan of Lucille Ball, described the experience as a dream come true. “I was weepy for three straight days,” she said, noting how significant the opportunity was for her both personally and professionally.
#1. A Dream Role Finally Realized
Though Messing has long been told she resembles Lucille Ball, she never thought she would play the beloved star. Over the years, people asked if she’d be interested in playing Ball in a biopic, but she declined. “I always felt like, ‘Oh, I would not even touch that. She is untouchable,’” Messing recalled.
But when Will & Grace approached her with the idea of an I Love Lucy tribute, it felt right. “The fact that it was Will & Grace doing it… it just felt like the perfect way,” she explained.
For Messing, the tribute episode was even more special because it marked the first time Arnaz and her brother, Desi Arnaz Jr., had allowed their parents’ work to be recreated in this fashion. The episode painstakingly recreated classic I Love Lucy moments, including the famous Vitameatavegamin scene.
#2. An Emotional Tribute
One of the most special moments for Messing was when she learned that the bottle used in the Vitameatavegamin scene was the actual one held by Ball 60 years earlier. “When I found out, I just broke into tears,” she shared, emphasizing how deeply she wanted to honor Ball’s legacy.
Recreating the iconic scene wasn’t easy. Messing admitted she had only a week to prepare and felt tremendous pressure not to mess it up. “I watched it over 100 times, analyzing every detail — her eyebrow lift, her head tilt, her lip movements, and exactly when she starts to get drunk,” Messing revealed. “It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.”
#3. Lucie Arnaz’s Cameo
Lucie Arnaz’s involvement in the episode didn’t stop at emotional support. She also made a cameo, playing the boss in the chocolate factory scene. Messing was thrilled to share the screen with her. “We were so overwhelmed with gratitude knowing how much faith she had in us,” Messing said. “To act with her in that scene — I thought my head was going to explode.”
#4. Bringing Lucy to Life
Transforming into Lucille Ball was no small feat. Messing’s makeup artist, Elaine Offers, spent three and a half hours perfecting the look, covering Messing’s eyebrows with Elmer’s Glue and redrawing them to match Ball’s famous look. “When the wig went on, we all gasped,” Messing recalled, describing the moment Lucille Ball’s image appeared in the mirror.
Messing also took on the roles of Fred and Ethel for the tribute, with her Fred transformation taking four and a half hours. The process required the expertise of the effects team behind Star Wars.
#5. A Lasting Memory
For Messing, the I Love Lucy tribute is more than just another episode of Will & Grace — it’s a personal and professional milestone. “It’s something I will never forget,” she said. “It’s my favorite episode we’ve ever done, and I’m really proud of it.”
As Will & Grace prepared to close its historic 11-season run, Messing reflected on the joy of bringing such a beloved character to life. “I’m glad that we were able to give people something to look forward to, especially during the pandemic,” she said. “It really does remind you of a happier, simpler time.”
