Even if you didn’t know the name Leslie Jordan, there’s a good chance you’ve seen him show up in a movie or TV show at some point – because over the last thirty-six years, he was able to rack up over 130 screen acting credits. When Jordan did show up on screen, he always made an impression due to his 4’11” stature and distinctive voice. Sadly, Variety reports that Jordan passed away today at the age of 67.
The full details haven’t been revealed, but Variety hears that “Jordan was driving in Hollywood this morning and crashed into the side of a building at Cahuenga Blvd. and Romaine St. It was suspected he suffered some sort of medical emergency.”
Born in Memphis, Tennessee on April 29, 1955, Jordan grew up riding horses and considered pursuing a career as a jockey before he took an Intro to Theater class at college when he was in his twenties. After that, he moved to Hollywood to see if he could break into the entertainment industry… and he did. He earned his first screen credit on an episode of The Fall Guy in 1986, and the many projects he has worked on since include Night Court, Murphy Brown, Newhart, Ski Patrol, Pee-wee’s Playhouse, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, Hearts Afire, Coach, Star Trek: Voyager, Weird Science, Wings, Arli$$, Ellen, Dharma & Greg, Caroline in the City, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Nash Bridges, Ally McBeal, Boston Public, Monk, Madhouse, Boston Legal, American Dad!, Ugly Betty, Demonic Toys: Personal Demons, The Help, Desperate Housewives, Supernatural, Fear Inc., The Last Sharknado: It’s About Time, Barbie & Kendra Save the Tiger King, and The United States vs. Billie Holiday.
Jordan may be best known for playing the role of Beverly Leslie on 17 episodes of Will & Grace. A role he won an Emmy for. He also appeared on 10 episodes of American Horror Story, and played an ill-fated diner cook in Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday.
Variety adds,
In 1993, he created his first autobiographical stage show, “Hysterical Blindness and Other Southern Tragedies That Have Plagued My Life Thus Far,” which ran for seven months off-Broadway at the SoHo Playhouse. The play chronicled Jordan’s early life in Chattanooga, Tenn., and featured the actor backed by a gospel choir singing satirical songs about racism and homophobia. At the time of the play’s production, Variety praised Jordan’s “endearing stage presence” and called the show “bittersweet and hilarious.”
In 2020, Jordan became a social media phenomenon, gaining millions of Instagram followers due to his humorous videos posted throughout the pandemic.
Jordan’s agent David Shaul provided the following statement: “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.“
I always enjoyed seeing Jordan in turn up in something I was watching, or hearing his voice. It’s sad to know we won’t be seeing or hearing any more Jordan performances. But he did have a fun career and left behind a lot of work for us to continue enjoying.
Our sincere condolences go out to Leslie Jordan’s family, friends, and fans.