BARBRA STREISAND - STREISAND SNUBS WILL + GRACE

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 (06) and executives were keen to land Streisand for a special guest appearance as KAREN WALKER's sister, played by MEGAN MULLALLY. Show creator MAX MUTCHNICK explains, "We made one last attempt to get Barbra Streisand to come on the show as Karen's sister, but there was no love there for us." Producers also approached MERYL STREEP, who also declined, and eventually ended up casting actress BERNADETTE PETERS in the role. Mullally adds, "Bernadette is amazing." The final episode in the series will be taped this week (begs10APR06).