Leslie Jordan was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and grew up in Chattanooga. His family and the community around him were religious. His dad was in the military. It made his own identity, being gay, difficult to cope with at times. He turned to drugs and alcohol to cope. He also moved to Hollywood where he decided to try his hand at acting.
Jordan ended up having quite a successful acting career. He started out by landing a few commercials for major brands like Doritos and Fosters Beer. Then, he transitioned to television. He landed guest spots on shows including “The Fall Guy,” “The Wizard,” “Newhart” and “Midnight Caller.” He had recurring roles on shows including “The People Next Door,” “Top of the Heap,” “Reasonable Doubts,” “Bodies of Evidence,” “Hearts Afire,” “Boston Public,” “Reba,” “Boston Legal,” “Hidden Palms,” “DTLA,” “Con Man,” “The Cool Kids” and “American Horror Story;” however, he is best known for portraying Beverley Leslie on the sitcom “Will & Grace.”
During the pandemic, he gained even more fame and ended up going viral with the videos he posted on Instagram. For awhile, he was posting two videos each day while he quarantined in Tennessee. He currently has almost 6 million followers.
Jordan was currently acting as Phil on the show “Call Me Kat;” however, his career and his life have been cut short.
Earlier today, while driving his BMW through Hollywood, Jordan was in a car accident. LAPD officer Lizbeth Lomeli told The Los Angeles Times that Jordan was behind the wheel of his car when the car crashed into a building. Due to the condition of Jordan’s car, it appears that he lost control of the car before the crash. He was declared dead at the scene. He was only 67 years old.
It is currently unclear whether Jordan died due to the car accident or if he suffered a medical emergency prior to the accident which possibly caused him to lose control of the car.
Upon hearing the news of Jordan’s death, several of his former costars have posted tributes to him on social media. Eric McCormack, who starred as Will Truman on “Will & Grace,” tweeted that he was “Crushed to learn about the loss of @thelesliejordan, the funniest & flirtiest southern gent I’ve ever known.”
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
Meanwhile, Sean Hayes, who co-starred on “Will & Grace” as Jack McFarland, tweeted, “My heart is broken. Leslie Jordan was one of the funniest people I ever had the pleasure of working with.” He called Jordan “a unique talent with an enormous, caring heart.”
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
Jordan’s talent agent told CNN, “The world is definitely a much darker place today without the love and light of Leslie Jordan. 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.”