Following his sudden passing, tributes are flooding in for Leslie Jordan, the beloved Emmy-winning character actor — identified for memorable roles starting from Will & Grace, American Horror Story and the presently airing Call Me Kat — who entertained thousands and thousands along with his social media movies on the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jordan, 67, was behind the wheel of a BMW when he crashed into the aspect of a constructing at Cahuenga Boulevard and Romaine Street in Hollywood on Monday morning, the Los Angeles Times reported. He was declared lifeless on the scene.
Call Me Kat has paused manufacturing. Jordan, who was a collection common within the Mayim Bialik-starring comedy, had filmed 9 episodes, 5 of which have aired to this point, and was slated to seem in the entire episodes within the present season.
In an announcement from the community to The Hollywood Reporter, Fox Entertainment mentioned they have been “shocked and devastated” by the actor and comic’s tragic passing.
“Leslie was far more than an Emmy Award-winning comedic talent with whom we’ve laughed alongside for all these years,” learn the assertion. “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.”
Producers Warner Bros. added that the studio is “devastated about the tragic and sudden loss of our dear friend Leslie Jordan. Leslie was an extraordinary person and talent. He brought joy to fans across the globe.”
twentieth Television and FX mentioned in an announcement, “The incomparable Leslie Jordan left an indelible mark on our industry, on the LGTBQ+ community, and on the hearts of everyone fortunate enough to have worked with this incredibly kind, wildly funny and immeasurably talented soul. Having played nuanced and memorable characters across the American Horror Story franchise for almost a decade, he will be missed deeply by all who knew him.”
Sarah Kate Ellis, President & CEO, GLAAD mentioned in an announcement, “Leslie Jordan was a multi-talented entertainer who charmed audiences for many years with heartfelt characters on-screen and passionate LGBTQ advocacy off-screen. Jordan additionally turned one in all at the moment’s most surprising social media stars, and we are going to deeply miss the various laughs and messages of positivity he shared along with his thousands and thousands of followers.
The assertion continued, “He was a loyal friend to so many LGBTQ organizations including GLAAD, most recently hosting our San Francisco Gala in 2018 and was a true class act when it came to sharing his platform and celebrity to help raise awareness and funds for our work to accelerate acceptance for the LGBTQ community. 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.”
The 4-foot-11 Jordan, a local of Memphis, Tennessee, first appeared as Beverley Leslie, a foil to Megan Mullally’s Karen Walker, through the third season of Will & Grace. He additionally returned for the beloved present’s reboot in 2017, showing on 17 collection episodes.
“My heart is broken,” wrote Will & Grace star Sean Hayes, who went toe-to-toe with Jordan as Jack throughout Jordan’s multi-year run, on social media. “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.”
Erick McCormack, who starred as Will, posted that he was “crushed” to study in regards to the news: “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.”
Jordan’s different credit included the ’90s CBS collection Hearts Afire, the 2000 Sordid Lives play and later movie and collection, 2011’s The Help, a number of seasons on American Horror Story, and the 2018-19 Fox sitcom The Cool Kids. Jordan’s résumé additionally contains 1897’s Moving On, and the unique Murphy Brown and Boston Legal collection, in addition to newer appearances within the unscripted area on RuPaul’s Drag Race, The Talk and The Masked Singer.
During the pandemic, his entertaining video posts grew his Instagram account to five.8 million followers.
Quinta Bronson, showrunner of Abbot Elementary who shares a stage with Call Me Kat, wrote on Twitter that “one of my greatest joys was meeting Leslie in the hallway for the first time a few weeks ago.” Patton Oswalt shared one in all Jordan’s TikTook movies together with a number of damaged hearts and Jackée Harry shared a clip of Jordan on The Cool Kids. Actors and hosts reminiscent of Billy Eichner, Lynda Carter, Dustin Lance Black and extra additionally praised Jordan as a queer icon and thanked him for lifting spirits amid the pandemic.
See the tributes, as they arrive in, under.
Oct. 24, 3:39 p.m. Updated with assertion from Sarah Kate Ellis, President & CEO, GLAAD
Oct. 24, 7:36 p.m. Updated with assertion from twentieth Television and FX.
