Leslie Jordan passed away at the age of 67. Image Source: People
Leslie Jordan passed away at the age of 67.
Will and Grace star Leslie Jordan, died on Monday in a car accident in Hollywood, California, following an apparent medical emergency.
Leslie Jordan's representative, David Shaul, confirmed the actor's death in a statement, and the accident happened around 9:30 a.m., according to LAPD reports. According to David Shaul, without Leslie Jordan's kindness and light, the world would be a significantly darker place today.
According to the statement, he was not only a mega talent and a joy to work with, but he also provided an emotional sanctuary for the country during one of its most difficult times. He made up for his lack of height with benevolence and brilliance as a son, brother, artist, comedian, partner, and human being. The only solace one can have today is knowing that he left the world at the pinnacle of both his personal and professional lives.
Leslie Jordan's death was also confirmed on Monday afternoon via his official Instagram, with a brief statement teasing that Leslie Jordan was still working in his final days. The caption read that the love and light that Leslie shared will never die, and they invited fans and followers to share their memories and comfort one another during this difficult time. The caption continued that in the coming days, they will reveal a sneak peek of a project Leslie was extremely proud of and eager to share with the world.
Leslie Jordan won a Primetime Emmy in 2006 for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his caustic portrayal of Beverly Leslie on Will & Grace. The late actor will also be remembered for his outstanding work in films and TV shows such as , Boston Public, The Help, Sordid Lives, Ugly Betty, and Murphy Brown.
Leslie Jordan, who was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, joked that he had fallen out of his mother's nto her high heels. The actor shared that when he was 12, he came out to his mother, Peggy Ann. He explained to People magazine in 2021 that he told his mother that he suspected something was wrong with him which he was not able to pin point at the time as he did not know the word 'gay' back then and said that his mother's only reference would have been Liberace, who never even appeared. Leslie said that he expected his mother to pull out her Bible, but she didn't. He recalls her telling him to just live his life quietly which he said he ignored.
Amidst his heavy workload, he started to struggle with substance abuse and ended up in prison with Robert Downey Jr., who was battling addiction. Leslie joked that he shares a portion of the credit for his success. Leslie Jordan told PEOPLE in the late 1990s that he no longer did parties and hadn't been out past 6 p.m. in years, because people always desired him to perform. According to the actor, the key to amusement is having a powerful beginning and always having a catchphrase at the end. The most difficult section is in the middle.
On Monday evening, Dolly Parton wrote a heartfelt tribute to Leslie Jordan. The country singer posted a photo of the late actor and stated that she is as saddened and shocked as if she had lost a family member. Dolly went on to say that Leslie and she had a special bond and that she believes the rest of the world felt the same way about him, noting that she knows that individuals always say, 'Oh, they will be missed, but this case, that cannot be more true. Leslie will indeed be missed by all those who was acquainted with him and everybody who was captivated by him, according to Dolly Parton's caption. Little brother, rest in peace.
Call Me Kat co-star Mayim Bialik issued the following statement to PEOPLE on behalf of the show's cast and crew. There are no words to express the loss they are feeling as a cast and as a Call Me Kat family, according to the statement. Leslie Jordan was larger than life, a Southern gentleman who was tender, wise, naughty, and hilarious. Mayim went on to say that they got to know and love him at the peak of his happiness and joy, and it's impossible to imagine a world without them. Leslie: the man who spit on his contact lenses before actually putting them in his eyes, the man who knew everything there was known around every man in Hollywood, as well as some of the women. The man whose sole purpose in life was to make people laugh Mayim wrote at the end of the statement that they'll be taking time to mourn and start celebrating the many gifts Leslie gave to them and the entire world and that they'd appreciate privacy during this time
Sean Hayes, who costarred with Leslie Jordan on Will & Grace, pays homage to Jordan on Instagram. Sean wrote that his heart is broken, and that Leslie Jordan was one of the best comedians he'd ever worked with. He showed Leslie a picture and continued that everyone who ever met him loved him, and there will never anyone like him. A one-of-a-kind talent with a huge, caring heart. Leslie, you will be sorely missed.
We extend our condolences to Leslie Jordan's family and friends.
