A Special Friendship That Transcended the Screen
When Shelley Morrison stepped into the iconic role of Rosario Salazar on Will & Grace, she didn’t just secure a place in television history—she gained a lifelong friend in co-star Megan Mullally. For 15 years, from 1991 to 2006, Shelley brought humor and heart to the show, but behind the scenes, her relationship with Megan evolved into something truly special. When Shelley faced one of the toughest battles of her life—cancer—Megan was there every step of the way. In fact, the two-time cancer survivor has often credited Megan for being her rock during some of the darkest moments of her life.
“Megan’s not just a co-star; she’s my heart. She’s been there for me through thick and thin,” Shelley shared in a heartfelt interview with Closer Weekly. She recounted how Megan once personally drove her to the doctor when she was dealing with complications, proving that their on-screen chemistry translated into a real-life friendship. Shelley first battled breast cancer in 1988, undergoing a lumpectomy to treat it. But the disease returned in 1998, forcing her to undergo a full mastectomy. Despite these challenges, Shelley’s resilience and Megan’s unwavering support kept her going.
Shelley and Megan on Will & Grace. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)
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Finding Strength in Laughter and Determination
Shelley’s journey with cancer wasn’t just about medical treatments—it was about embracing life with humor and grace. “My first word after surgery? F–k. Because, hey, I had a pretty nice rack,” she joked to Closer. “Laughter is the best medicine, right? You’ve got to diffuse the seriousness. Don’t dwell on the darkness; focus on the light.” Shelley’s spirit remained unshaken even as she faced yet another health challenge—lung cancer. This time, she underwent surgery to remove a third of her lung. Remarkably, she returned to the Will & Grace set just eight days later. “When I work, I’m disciplined. Always have been,” she explained. “Cancer may have tried to slow me down, but it only made me stronger.”
A Support System That Made All the Difference
While Megan played a crucial role in Shelley’s recovery, she wasn’t the only one in her corner. Shelley’s husband of 44 years, Walter Dominguez, was her anchor throughout her battles. “Walter’s the most caring person I’ve ever met. He’s so affectionate, and that means everything when you’re going through something like cancer,” Shelley told Closer. Today, Shelley focuses on living each day to its fullest. “Life’s a tough journey, no doubt about it. But if you can find joy, if you can smile, it makes everything a little easier,” she said.
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