Leslie Jordan, Actor and Comedian, Dead at 67

The actor has been a staple in Hollywood since the 80s.

Leslie Jordan has died.

TMZ reports that the actor and comedian likely suffered a medical emergency while driving in Los Angeles Monday morning, which caused him to crash his car into the side of a building.

He was 67.

In a statement released shortly after the accident, Leslie's agent David Shaul wrote (via Variety): "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.”

The actor has been a staple in Hollywood since the 80s, know for his TV work in The Cool Kids, American Horror Story, Boston Legal, Con Man, Will and Grace, and Hearts Afire, to name a few. 

Leslie kept fans laughing through the COVID-19 pandemic by sharing relatable, heartfelt, and silly videos to Instagram. The clips, narrated in his Southern drawl, gave fans a comedic insight into his daily life, and he quickly became a viral sensation, amassing nearly 6 million followers. After returning to work on Call Me Kat, he had to cut back the number of Instagram posts he shared from two a day, which he did the first 80 days of the pandemic, to a couple of times a week.

His final Instagram video was shared on Sunday, in which he sang a hymn with the help of songwriter Danny Rick.

In 2021, Jordan released his debut album, Company’s Comin’, teamed with an all-star cast, including Dolly Parton, Eddie Vedder, Brandi Carlile, to breath "new life into the music that raised him."

Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Leslie's acting career kicked off in 1988 when he appeared in the Richard Pryor comedy Moving, before landing a role in horror spoof Frankenstein General Hospital and eventually, The People Next Door. 

Jordan, who was gay and outspoken and proud of his identity, was also an icon for the LGBTQ+ community.

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