Producers of hit sitcom Will & Grace were desperate for Barbra Streisand to guest star on the final episode of the series, but the legendary singer/actress repeatedly refused to appear. The sitcom is ending its nine year run in May, and executives were keen to land Streisand for a special guest appearance as Karen Walker's sister, played by Megan Mullally.

Tony winner Bernadette Peters and Josh Lucas will guest-star on NBC's Will & Grace in the series' next-to-last episode on May 11. Peters will portray Karen's (Megan Mullally) sister while Lucas offers Jack sympathy after an embarrassing professional setback.

Happy Birthday to racehorse Smarty Jones (2001), Canadian hockey player Eric Lindros (1973), writer Lemony Snicket (1970), actor Robert Sean Leonard (1969), Canadian actress Rae Dawn Chong (1961), actress/model Dorothy Stratten (1960; d. 1980), "The Big Lebowski" actor John Turturro (1957), comedian Gilbert Gottfried (1955), theater and film actress Mercedes Ruehl (1948), singer/actress Bernadette Peters (1948), writer/director Mike Figgis (1948), actress Stephanie Beacham (1947), football player-turned-actor Bubba Smith (1945), "Gilmore Girls" actress Kelly Bishop (1944), Rolling Stones founding member Brian Jones (1942; d. 1969), "WKRP in Cincinnati" actor Frank Bonner (1942), Tony Award-winning actor/dancer Tommy Tune (1939), "Love Boat" captain Gavin MacLeod (1930), "Rescue Me" actor Charles Durning (1923), stage and screen actor Zero Mostel (1915; d. 1977), comedienne/actress Billie Bird (1908; d. 2002), gangster Ben "Bugsy" Siegel (1906; d. 1947), and director Vincente Minnelli (1903; d. 1986).