Vale: Leslie Jordan
Veteran US performer, best known for Will & Grace, American Horror Story, has died.
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Veteran US performer Leslie Jordan, best known for Will & Grace, American Horror Story, has died aged 67.
Jordan was driving in Hollywood on Monday morning and crashed into the side of a building. Reports suggest he suffered a medical emergency.
“The world is definitely a much darker place today without the love and light of Leslie Jordan,” said David Shaul, Jordan’s agent. “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.”
He is best known for his work on Will & Grace, on which he played Karen’s sexually ambiguous, socialite frenemy Beverly Leslie, winning an Emmy as guest actor in 2006.
Jordan played three different characters on three different seasons of American Horror Story, recurring in the Coven, Roanoke and 1984 installments.
He appeared on television shows including Hearts Afire, Ally McBeal, Ugly Betty, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, Hidden Palms, Star Trek: Voyager, Caroline in the City, Pee-Wee’s Playhouse, Reba, Boston Public, Nash Bridges and Boston Legal, as well as The Help, The Cool Kids and Call Me Kat.
Films included Ski Patrol, Roadside Rodeo, Love Ranch, Southern Baptist Sissies and The United States vs. Billie Holiday and there were also numerous stage roles.
In 2020, Jordan became a social media phenomenon, gaining millions of Instagram followers due to his humorous videos posted throughout the pandemic.
Considered an LGBTQ icon, Jordan appeared on RuPaul’s Drag Race as a guest judge in 2013, and again in 2022 as a guest director. During the AIDS crisis, he was involved with the AIDS Project Los Angeles and Project Angel Food.
FOX Entertainment said in a statement, “We are shocked and devastated by today’s tragic passing of Leslie Jordan. Leslie was far more than an Emmy Award-winning comedic talent with whom we’ve laughed alongside for all these years. He was the kindest person you could ever imagine who simply lit up a room and brought pure joy and huge smiles to millions of people around the world. The truest of Southern Gentlemen, Leslie carried an infectious exuberance, indelible sense of humor and, throughout, gifted us with countless fond memories that will last forever. As we grieve this sad news, we also wish to extend our most profound sympathies to Leslie’s family, friends and fans, whom he held so dear.”
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. 😔❤️ pic.twitter.com/RNKSamoES0
— Sean Hayes (@SeanHayes) October 24, 2022
Source: Variety
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- Tagged with American Horror Story, Will & Grace
4 Responses
Very sad. Some of W&G’s best scenes were between Karen and Bevely.
Megan’s tribute was beautiful and Sean’s words too. A hilarious and memorable performer. Leslie made his mark.
Now that is sad…a very versatile performer and so funny. Every scene involving him as Beverley Leslie with Karen Walker in Will and Grace was comedy gold. 67 is way too young.
I’m in total shock, I watched him last night on his Facebook account singing. I followed him throughout lockdown and he bought so much joy. I’m going to miss his “Hay y’all doing hunker downers”. He only lost his Mum and one sister a few months back too. Sometimes this world just doesn’t seem right. Dear Leslie love and light you southern gentleman RIP.