Car crash claims the life of TV icon Leslie Jordan
TV actor and social media sensation Leslie Jordan has died at the age of 67.
The Will & Grace star crashed his BMW into the side of a building in Los Angeles on Monday morning, local time, with the New York Post reporting that he suffered from a medical emergency while behind the wheel.
In a statement shared with the Post, Jordan’s manager confirmed the heartbreaking news.
“The world is definitely a much darker place today without the love and light of Leslie Jordan,” his manager said.
“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.”
The 4’11” star rose to fame on television screens in the 1990s, with roles in Reasonable Doubts, Ally McBeal, Boston Legal, and Judging Amy, as well as guest appearances on Dharma & Greg, Ellen, and Caroline in the City.
He became best-known for his comedic roles, including his starring role in the show Hearts Afire and as sassy socialite Beverly Leslie in Will & Grace, with his humour earning him fame and 5.8 million followers on social media during the pandemic.
His fame earned him a spot on CNN’s New Year’s Eve 2021 countdown, where he rang in the new year with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen.
Jordan’s Instagram account, where he shared clips of himself singing gospel hymns and humorous stories about Hollywood, shared the news of Jordan’s passing and encouraged fans to “comfort each other” and share their memories of the actor.
“The love and light that Leslie shared will never go out and we invite you to share your memories and comfort each other during this time,” the post read.
“In the coming days we will be giving a glimpse of a project Leslie was really proud of and was looking forward to sharing with the world.”
The star, who released his memoir How Y’all Doing?: Misadventures and Mischief from a Life Well-Lived last year, was raised as a Southern Baptist and was openly gay, being widely revered as a queer icon.
Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1955, Jordan previously said he struggled growing up in a traditional family and conservative city, though he was supported by his beloved mother, Betty.
He moved to Los Angeles in 1982 to pursue a career in showbiz, but soon became involved in drugs and alcohol and had been arrested several times by his mid-20s.
Overcoming his addictions by the 1990s, Jordan’s TV career quickly blossomed.
Jordan’s role in Will & Grace during the 2000s, which he reprised during the show’s reboot in 2017, earned him an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series in 2006.
In the wake of his death, his co-stars and others in Hollywood were among the first to pay tribute.
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. 💔
— Eric McCormack (@EricMcCormack) October 24, 2022
“Crushed to learn about the loss of Leslie Jordan, 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. 💔” Eric McCormack, who played Will Truman on Will & Grace tweeted.
“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,” fellow Will & Grace actor Sean Hayes wrote.
“There will never be anyone like him. A unique talent with an enormous, caring heart. You will be missed, my dear friend 😔❤️.”
Star Trek actor George Takei paid tribute to Jordan for delighting viewers with his roles, writing: “Leslie, we are heartbroken at your loss and will miss your mirth and your inimitable spirit.”
Image: @thereallesliejordan (Instagram)