LGBTQ icon of the small and big screen, Leslie Jordan, has died
Leslie Jordan, an Emmy-winning actor, writer, entertainer and singer best known for Will & Grace and American Horror Story has died. He was 67.
Jordan died in a single-car crash in Hollywood on Monday. He was reportedly driving and crashed into the side of a building at Cahuenga Blvd. and Romaine Street. Deadline reported he apparently suffered some sort of medical emergency.
Jordan, who hailed from Tennessee, was a veteran actor of film and TV with credits that included The Help, in addition to his landmark Emmy-winning role as the possibly gay frenemy, Beverly, of Karen Walker (Megan Mullally) on Will & Grace.
The spirited, diminutive actor also had guest spots on other hit shows including Ally McBeal, Ugly Betty, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, Star Trek: Voyager, Caroline in the City, Boston Public, Nash Bridges and Boston Legal.
In addition to TV, one of Jordan’s most quintessential roles was as Earl “Brother Boy” Ingram in the Del Shores stage play Sordid Lives, which was adapted into a 2000 film of the same name. He also shone as an adopter of social media, gaining millions of Instagram followers due to his humorous videos posted during the pandemic.
As a singer, Jordan released a gospel music album and appeared as a guest panelist on The Masked Singer, where he performed the standard “This Little Light of Mine.”
“As someone who was very proud of their Tennessee roots, he made it a priority to help increase visibility for LGBTQ for people in the South by participating in The Concert for Love & Acceptance and serving as Grand Marshal at the Nashville AIDS Walk last year,” said Sarah Kate Ellis, President & CEO, GLAAD.
“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.”
Tributes are pouring in from colleagues and supporters of Jordan’s multifaceted and lengthy career.
