Leslie Jordan, Beloved Social Media Star, Dies in Hollywood Car Accident
The social media star and comedy actor Leslie Jordan died in a car accident on Monday in Hollywood, California. He was 67.
His publicist David Shaul confirmed the news to NPR and said, "not only was he a mega talent and joy to work with, but he provided an emotional sanctuary to the nation."
Jordan was known for his roles on American Horror Story, Call Me Kat, and the long-running sitcom Will & Grace as Beverly Leslie.
But as he shared heartfelt jokes and updates throughout the pandemic, Jordan's fame on social media expanded rapidly over the previous few years. He accumulated more than 5 million followers on Instagram.
Jordan was raised in Tennessee in the Southern Baptist Church. He eventually developed a rift with the church as he got older and came to terms with being gay.
How Did Leslie Jordan Start in Hollywood?
Leslie Jordan wrote about his 1982 move from Tennessee to Hollywood in his book "My Trip Down the Pink Carpet," published in 2009.
According to the book's publisher, he "boarded a Greyhound bus bound for LA with $1,200 sewn into his underpants and never looked back," CNN noted.
"The Fall Guy," "Designing Women," and "The People Next Door" are just a few of the television programs where the actor obtained work.
In the acclaimed play "Sordid Lives," Jordan created the character of Earl "Brother Boy" Ingram, which he later recreated in the indie film adaptation in 2000.
His recurring role on "Will & Grace" as Karen's friend Beverley Leslie made him a fan favorite. He also had parts in "American Horror Story" and "The Cool Kids."
His Instagram followers exploded, and he became a social media star at the height of the pandemic. He used the platform to tell funny stories about his struggles, memories, and family, mostly about his beloved mother.
Leslie Jordan's Accomplishments
In 2021, Jordan released a gospel music album, "Company's Comin'."
Later that year, he participated as a special guest panelist on "The Masked Singer," singing the gospel song "This Little Light of Mine."
Jordan, an LGBTQ icon, was given the Timeless Star award by GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics in 2021.
In 2013 he served as a guest judge on "RuPaul's Drag Race," and in 2022, he served as a guest director.
According to Variety, Jordan also worked with Project Angel Food and the AIDS Project Los Angeles during the AIDS crisis.
"We are shocked and devastated by today's tragic passing of Leslie Jordan," Fox Entertainment said in a statement.
The statement continues by saying that Leslie was more than just a hilarious comedian who won an Emmy Award; they have shared many laughs with him for all these years.
It also said that Jordan 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."
Meanwhile, law enforcement sources tell TMZ that Jordan may have experienced a medical emergency while driving in Hollywood Monday morning and smashed his BMW into the side of a building.
This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Bert Hoover
WATCH: Leslie Jordan Dead at 67 - From People
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