Actor and comedian Leslie Jordan has tragically passed away. He was 67.
Outlets reported Monday morning (October 24) that the beloved star was driving his BMW in Hollywood and may have suffered a medical emergency. He is said to have crashed onto the side of a building.
Moments after news broke of his passing, his agent David Shaul released a statement:
“The world is definitely a much darker place today without the love and light of Leslie Jordan. Not only was he a mega talent and joy to work with, but he provided an emotional sanctuary to the nation at one of its most difficult times. What he lacked in height he made up for in generosity and greatness as a son, brother, artist, comedian, partner and human being.
Knowing that he has left the world at the height of both his professional and personal life is the only solace one can have today.”
Leslie was well known for his role as Megan Mullally’s nemesis on Will & Grace, his appearances on American Horror Story, Call Me Kat, and more. He also amassed a huge social media following during the pandemic for his humorous and lighthearted posts.
Stars took to social media to pay tribute to the actor.
Eric McCormack:
Crushed to learn about the loss of @thelesliejordan, the funniest & flirtiest southern gent I’ve ever known. The joy and laughter he brought to every one of his #WillandGrace episodes was palpable. Gone about thirty years too soon. You were loved, sweet man.
Mayim Bialik:
There aren’t words to convey the loss we are experiencing as a cast and a Call Me Kat family. Leslie Jordan was larger than life. He was a Southern gentleman; tender, wise, naughty and hilarious.
We got to know and love him at the height of his happiness and joy and it is inconceivable to imagine a world without our Leslie: the man who would spit in his contact lense before putting them in his eyes, the man who had a story about every man in Hollywood and some of the women as well, the man who lived to make people laugh.
We will be taking time to grieve and to celebrate the many gifts Leslie gave to us and to the entire world and we appreciate privacy at this time.
Cheyenne Jackson:
My heart is broken in half today. From the moment I saw him bellow the phrase ‘Karen Walker, I thought I smelled gin and regret’ on Will & Grace… I was a forever fan. Then I was lucky enough to become his friend in real life. He was my mentor, my sober brother, and my unofficial comedy coach. (I paid him in complements, not actual cash) He hated that we couldn’t tell naughty jokes on set anymore so we decided that we’d be each other’s blue material safe space. And no matter how filthy a joke would be that I’d tell him, he’d giggle and then tell me one 10 times dirtier.
He was equal parts silly and serious, broad and subtle, and always ALWAYS kind. He was professional and soulful and heartbreakingly talented. We talked endlessly about old Hollywood, and he could walk better in heels than he could in new dress shoes.
There will no doubt be countless tributes to him in the days to come, as he touched so many peoples lives both in the recovery community and the queer community. He LOVED being famous and he loved being recognized. He’d smile his sly smile and with that trademark drawl say ‘Cheyenne I’m soooo famous nowww!’ And I was so happy for him. We all were.
Some say you remember people more for how they made you feel than what they actually said or did, and I can say that every time I saw him, acted with him, sang with him, or just sat with him, I felt happy and loved. My kids adored him. He loved them so much from the day they were born having had twin sisters of his own. He would FaceTime them on set and they would scream ‘LESLIIIEEEEE!’
Generous. That’s just who he was. I love you friend. Here’s a filthy limerick for the road…’There once was a man from Nantucket…’”
George Takei:
I am stunned at the death of Leslie Jordan, who delighted us with his many roles on television and film. The cause of death was a car crash after he suffered a medical emergency. Leslie, we are heartbroken at your loss and will miss your mirth and your inimitable spirit.
Ellen DeGeneres:
I just heard about Leslie Jordan. This is unbelievably tragic. He was such a light. Sending love to his family and friends.
Marlee Matlin:
I’m so sad to read the news of Leslie Jordan’s passing. He was such a pleasure to work with on my first TV series, Reasonable Doubts. He was at the top of his game and had so much to look forward to. He exuded JOY and LAUGHTER. RIP dear Leslie
Sean Hayes
My heart is broken. Leslie Jordan was one of the funniest people I ever had the pleasure of working with. Everyone who ever met him, loved him. There will never be anyone like him. A unique talent with an enormous, caring heart. You will be missed, my dear friend.
Megan Mullally:
“My heart is breaking. I really can’t believe it. Leslie Jordan was, hands down, one of the greats. People use that expression a lot, and I’m not sure it’s always applicable. There aren’t that many people who are truly great at anything. But Leslie was flawlessly funny, a virtuoso of comedy. his timing, his delivery, all apparently effortless. You can’t get any better than that. And what a friendly, fun-loving, dear person.
I was just with him last month. The prestigious national book festival was showcasing Leslie and his best-selling book in Washington D.C., and he’d asked me to come interview him for his event. I’d done my prep, but it was all completely unnecessary, of course, as I just had to barely unleash him and he went off on a series of absolutely hilarious stories that had the very large audience in hysterics for a solid hour. Off-stage, he was so relaxed and happy, there with his best friend Mike. He truly seemed so happy.
How brilliant it was that millions of people were able to discover the real Leslie and his love of life and unparalleled story-telling abilities on Instagram. He had so much to share, and it meant so much to him that finally he’d found a vehicle through which to share it. He was absolutely unique. one of a kind. Thank you to all of his fans! He really loved you all and was so genuinely appreciative of you.
I’m so so glad that I got to spend some time with Leslie that day before and after the event, just us, catching up. I felt such a deep affection for him that day; He was so warm and present and darling. As we were leaving, I got a couple more big hugs and told him L loved him, as usual. So glad! What a gift!
And so. Love you, Leslie. Miss you already. And one thing I know for sure… there will never ever be another you.”
