Will & Grace Fans Are Devastated After Shocking Character Death

Thursday night's Will & Grace delivered one of its most gut-wrenching episodes to date when the NBC sitcom explained the absence of Karen's (Megan Mullally) best friend and maid, Rosario Salazar (Shelly Morrison).

In the heartfelt episode, Rosario, who hasn't appeared onscreen in the revival, died of a heart attack and the show bid farewell to the memorable character with a special funeral service. In real life, Morrison is still alive but has retired from acting, As a result, creators David Kohan and Max Mutchnick made the difficult decision to kill her off.

"The character felt too much a part of the fabric of the show to just dismiss it with a line or two or an explanation. It felt like it merited more of a loving farewell," Kohan explained to Variety.

Rosario was mentioned in passing in previous episodes of the revival, but this week's episode finally closed the book on the fan favorite character. The emotional episode touched longtime viewers who took to Twitter to express their grief over having to say goodbye to the Rosario, who was never afraid to put Karen in check.

"How are we supposed to live without Rosario on #WillAndGrace? Her relationship with Karen was comedic gold. I'm officially in mourning," wrote user Vintage Wingnut.

A few cast members also bid farewell to Rosario on the social media platform.

heyo. this is me and my fren #shelley morrison AKA #ROSARIO. for more, may i gently suggest u check out #WillandGrace #Tonight #9pm @nbc 🛤 pic.twitter.com/WeK8fxtsjJ

— Megan Mullally (@MeganMullally) November 2, 2017

Ok, I'm crying again. And I️ knew how the episode ended! Wow. Rosario. Shelley. We love you and miss you. Te amo. ❤️

— Debra Messing (@DebraMessing) November 3, 2017

Here's how the rest of Twitter reacted to Rosario's death.

You were my everything, Rosario 😭 #WillandGrace pic.twitter.com/Ultvz0dRNj

— Susie S. (@MissSusie66) November 3, 2017

@WillAndGrace Rest In Heavenly Peace Rosario. #WillAndGrace pic.twitter.com/k1xtDkos9D

— Timothy Murphy (@WilCalloway) November 3, 2017

Rosario was an absolutely hilarious character. What a beautifully touching send off, filled with comical genius! She will be missed! 👏🤣😢👏🤣😥👏 pic.twitter.com/RFm1hTowXn

— AModernBluestocking (@Pineapple_Psych) November 3, 2017

This week's episode of Will & Grace felt like #ThisIsUs Man. I shed a few thug tears for Rosario. 😢😢

— GloballyNomad (@GloballyNomad) November 3, 2017

Why would they kill Rosario???why??? This might be the only reboot that's as good if not better than the original show. #WillAndGrace pic.twitter.com/uXfs0A6qP4

— Céline 🔥🔥🔥 (@expatonfire) November 3, 2017

I will miss you even more than I already have, Rosario Inés Consuelo Yolanda Salazar. Rest In Peace. #WillAndGrace pic.twitter.com/kfJzKBTLPr

— EK Keratsis (@EKeratsis) November 3, 2017

I shouldn't be this upset about a fictional character from a comedy show dying 😞 R.I.P. Rosario Inés Consuelo Yolanda Salazar #WillAndGrace

— Britanni Taylor (@BritanniTaylor) November 3, 2017

Omg I have tears running down my face. My heart 💔 Karen's love for Rosario is endless and my heart hurts #WillAndGrace pic.twitter.com/4TKDkBneQA

— Naaay (@B_LifeAsIKnowIt) November 3, 2017

I'm distressed that Will and Grace have decided it's acceptable to kill off Rosario.

— The Upsides Down (@FuckHeezy) November 3, 2017

Me watching @WillAndGrace 😭 ... Noooooo not #Rosario !!#WillAndGrace pic.twitter.com/04tT9XACFX

— Erika_Marie Salcido (@gypsywanderer_) November 3, 2017

The episode also briefly mentioned the passing of Grace's mom, Bobbi Adler. Debbie Reynolds, who played her on the series, died in December 2016. According to Mutchnick, the show plans to address her death on a larger scale in another episode. "She's obviously not coming back, but we will be speaking to it and the characters will be speaking to it," he said.

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Will & Grace airs Thursdays at 9/8c on NBC.