From “Will and Grace” to “Call Me Kat,” Leslie Jordan brought his infectious charm and comedic genius to many iconic projects over the years. The actor died in a car crash on Oct. 24 at the age of 67, prompting an influx of loving tributes from his many costars and fans and inspiring many to revisit some of his most beloved roles.
Jordan began his career as Malone in the series “The Fall Guy” in 1986 and went on to appear in a number of popular shows. His performance as the catty socialite Beverley Leslie on “Will & Grace” endeared him to a much wider audience, as did his talent for comedy and his charming Southern drawl. In his later years, Jordan continued to delight audiences with appearances on “The Masked Singer,” and he also became a success on social media.
His Instagram and TikTok accounts were viral hits thanks to his comedic and loving presence, which translated to the platforms as well as they did on television. From funny videos about his coming-out story to demonstrations of his dance moves, Jordan’s videos introduced him to a new adoring audience.
“The world is definitely a much darker place today without the love and light of Leslie Jordan,” Jordan’s agent, Sarabeth Schedeen, wrote in a statement provided to CNN. “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.”
Ahead, revisit some of Jordan’s most beloved and memorable TV and movie roles over the years.
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"Hearts Afire"
Jordan played Lonnie Garr in the sitcom “Hearts Afire” from 1992 to 1995. As the chaotic, quirky, and lovable Garr, who spends most of his time worrying about a lawsuit concerning a hole he (allegedly) dug in his neighbor’s property, Jordan added some comedic flair to the series, which focused on the relationship between a conservative politician’s aide and a liberal reporter.
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"Will & Grace"
Jordan memorably played Karen’s socialite frenemy and rival Beverly Leslie on “Will & Grace.” The performance ended up winning him an Emmy for outstanding guest actor in a comedy series in 2006. He appeared in 17 episodes over the course of 20 years, per Entertainment Weekly, and his death sparked an outpouring of tributes from his costars. “[My] heart is breaking,” Megan Mullally, who played Karen, wrote on Instagram. “[I] really can’t believe it. [Leslie Jordan] was, hands down, one of the greats.”
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"American Horror Story"
Jordan appeared in several seasons of “American Horror Story” over the years. He played Witches’ Councilor Quentin Fleming in the third season, “American Horror Story: Coven,” and Ashley Gilbert in the show’s sixth season, “American Horror Story: Roanoke.” He appeared again as Courtney the ninth season, the slasher-themed “1984,” showing he had a talent for creepiness as well as comedy.
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"The Cool Kids"
Jordan played Sidney Delacroix, one of three older residents of a retirement community forced to adjust to the arrival of a younger woman (Vicki Lawrence) in the sitcom “The Cool Kids.” The show ran for one season in 2018.
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"The United States v. Billie Holiday"
In his last film appearance, Jordan appeared alongside Andra Day in this 2021 biographical drama about Billie Holiday’s struggle to protect her song “Strange Fruit” amidst backlash from the government. Jordan played journalist Reginald Lord Devine, who interviewed Holiday about “Strange Fruit.”
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"Call Me Kat"
In the comedy series “Call Me Kat,” Jordan played newly single gay man Phil, who worked at the cafe owned by the titular Kat (Mayim Bialik). Jordan was working on the show’s third season when he died, and the show has since halted production, per Entertainment Weekly. The next episode, “Call Me Uncle Dad,” will air on Oct. 27 as planned and include a tribute to 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,” Bialik wrote in a statement shared on Instagram. “He was a Southern gentleman; tender, wise, naughty and hilarious. We got to know and love him at the height of his happiness and joy and it is inconceivable to imagine a world without our Leslie: the man who would spit on his contact lenses before putting them in his eyes, the man who had a story about every man in Hollywood and some of the women as well, the man who lived to make people laugh. We will be taking time to grieve and to celebrate the many gifts Leslie gave to us and to the entire world and we appreciate privacy at this time.”
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"The Masked Singer"
Jordan appeared as a guest panelist on “The Masked Singer” in its sixth and seventh seasons. He also filmed an appearance in the show’s eighth season, which premiered on Sept. 21, per ScreenRant, and Jordan’s episode is still scheduled to air.
