Actor Leslie Jordan, known for his work in television series Will & Grace, American Horror Story, and Call Me Kat, died in a car crash at the age of 67. LAPD reports that “a driver, likely suffering a medical emergency, drove a car into a wall at the intersection of Cahuenga Boulevard and Romaine Street around 9:45 a.m. today,” via Deadline.
Jordan rose to fame on the hit sitcom Will & Grace in 2001 as recurring character Beverly Leslie. Jordan played the character through the series finale, and reprised the role in the 2017 reboot, via Deadline. Beverly Leslie was known to be “viciously witty” and the only character who could “match Megan Mullally’s Karen insult-to-insult,” according to Deadline. His portrayal of the lovable character won him a 2006 Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series.
While Beverly Leslie refused to come out of the closet, Leslie Jordan embraced his queerness. Jordan spoke out about growing up gay in a Southern church on Shania Twain’s radio show: “I firmly believe God made me this way. I’m not a mistake,” via The Washington Post. Jordan was vocal about issues concerning the LGBTQ+ community. He was involved with the AIDS Project Los Angeles and Project Angel Food during the AIDS crisis, according to Variety. As an LGBTQ+ icon, Jordan went on to guest judge RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2013 and again in 2022 as guest director, via Variety. Jordan recently received the GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics’ Timeless Star award in 2021, according to Variety.
In addition to his iconic role in Will & Grace, Jordan went on to play multiple characters in the hit anthology horror series American Horror Story in 2013. Jordan has recurring roles in the “Coven,” “Roanoke,” and “1984,” installments according to Variety. Jordan most recently starred alongside Mayim Bialik in Fox’s sitcom Call Me Kat. The series focuses on 39-year-old single woman who uses her wedding savings to open a cat café. Jordan played the character Phil, the head baker and the “show’s funny bone” via Deadline. Call Me Kat has halted production in light of Jordan’s passing, with Thursday’s episode “Call Me Uncle Dad” scheduled to air including a memorium, according to Deadline.
In 2020, Jordan gained attention on social media for his witty and entertaining videos. His most viewed videos include Jordan using a backscratcher as baton, pretending to play the piano, and a series he named “Pillow Talk.” Jordan also had video go viral on TikTok, and many used the audio over their own videos.
Leslie Jordan was able to touch the lives of so many. “He was the funniest, loveliest guy on the planet and a true friend,” posted American Horror Story actor Dylan McDermott via Deadline. The Call Me Kat cast released statement to Deadline about Jordan: “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.” Will & Grace star Eric McCormack, who plays Will, took to Twitter to post a heartwarming message: “The joy and laughter he brought to every one of his Will & Grace episodes was palpable.”