Leslie Jordan Dies: Tributes Pour in for ‘Will & Grace’ Actor

Isaac Rouse October 24, 2022, 3:47 pm

Nordstrom Celebrates NYC Pride With Leslie Jordan — Monica Schipper / Stringer

Leslie Jordan, comedian/stage actor, best known for his role as Beverly Leslie in Will & Grace, has sadly passed away. Jordan began his television career with The Fall Guy in 1986 before being featured in Night Court, Murphy Brown, and Newhart as the years followed before he landed the role of Beverly in 2001.

His co-star Sean Hayes tweeted, “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.”

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

Despite only appearing in 12 episodes throughout the series, Jordan received an Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series at the 58th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards in 2006.

Heartbreaking. https://t.co/nHh1tykzKM

— quinta brunson (@quintabrunson) October 24, 2022

I am stunned at the death of Leslie Jordan, who delighted us with his many roles on television and film. The cause of death was a car crash after he suffered a medical emergency. Leslie, we are heartbroken at your loss and will miss your mirth and your inimitable spirit.

— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) October 24, 2022

“I’m heartbroken. I loved Leslie. He was such a doll…so fun and sweet and comforting. He will be so missed,” says Katie Kurick.

I’m heartbroken. I loved Leslie. He was such a doll…so fun and sweet and comforting. He will be so missed.💔

Leslie Jordan, ‘Will & Grace’ and ‘American Horror Story’ Star, Dies at 67 in Car Accident https://t.co/9rnKXv9X3u via @variety

— Katie Couric (@katiecouric) October 24, 2022

Several celebrities pointed to Jordan as an inspiration for LGBTQ people in Hollywood, as he was gay and open about his sexuality for decades. Early during the AIDS crisis, the actor became involved in AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA) as a buddy and as a food delivery person for Project Angel Food.

This is so heartbreaking. Your star shined bright no matter where you were on screen and even moreso off. You were truly one of the spirits that made aging as a queer man feel more exciting than existing in the present. To a lived fully! RIP LESLIE JORDAN https://t.co/i7e5lzVTvo

— THEE ACADEMY Playwright Jeremy O Harris (@jeremyoharris) October 24, 2022

“Devastated to find out that Leslie Jordan has passed. He was such a queer icon to me,” says musical artist Trinity the Tuck. “My first exposure to him was in one of my favorite movies Sordid Lives! I literally just saw him a few weeks ago in LA. my thoughts are with the people he was close to!”

Devastated to find out that Leslie Jordan has passed. He was such a queer icon to me. My first exposure to him was in one of my favorite movies Sordid Lives! I literally just saw him a few weeks ago in LA. 😢 my thoughts are with the people he was close to! 🙏 pic.twitter.com/Rv1nhXtLDR

— Trinity The Tuck 🏳️‍⚧️ (@TrinityTheTuck) October 24, 2022

Check out more tributes below.

Completely heartbroken. 💔

Leslie Jordan was a kind spirit and provided us with so many laughs. Rest peacefully, friend. pic.twitter.com/eULoI7C9fW

— Jackée Harry (@JackeeHarry) October 24, 2022

I’m heartbroken. I loved Leslie. He was such a doll…so fun and sweet and comforting. He will be so missed.💔

Leslie Jordan, ‘Will & Grace’ and ‘American Horror Story’ Star, Dies at 67 in Car Accident https://t.co/9rnKXv9X3u via @variety

— Katie Couric (@katiecouric) October 24, 2022

Rest in peace, Leslie Jordan. Thank you for the countless laughs and for sharing your spirit with us all. 💘 pic.twitter.com/PzJq31z19T

— RuPaul’s Drag Race (@RuPaulsDragRace) October 24, 2022

My heart is broken #lesliejordan 💔 pic.twitter.com/orydGhJblT

— Bobby 🇺🇦 (@bobbyberk) October 24, 2022

My schedule did not anticipate being absolutely DEVASTATED about Leslie Jordan. That man was singular. We keep losing all the wrong people.

— Saeed Jones (@theferocity) October 24, 2022

I am stunned, horrified and devastated by the sudden death of my friend Leslie Jordan. I was so lucky to know him- I first met him about a decade ago and he was always so full of so much genuine good humor, humility and kindness. I cannot believe the news today of his passing…

— James Duke Mason (@JamesDukeMason) October 24, 2022

I can’t express my sadness for his only surviving sister and his dear love M. There’s a hole in my heart. I love and miss you, buddy @thelesliejordan 💔 pic.twitter.com/P8vda4QAQu

— octavia spencer (@octaviaspencer) October 24, 2022

Oh no!!! Leslie!! I have nothing but the fondest memories of you while filming The Help. I’d never been in the presence of anyone who loved life and people as much as you. Your heart was as big as your humor. You lived. You took up space. You were present. Rest well! 💔💔💔❤️❤️❤ https://t.co/h4LRjq6HZd

— Viola Davis (@violadavis) October 24, 2022

Leslie Jordan touched so many hearts, including ours. He was not only a beloved comedian but our dear friend. Sending our love and condolences to his family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/OSL5swfw6w

— The Jennifer Hudson Show (@JHudShow) October 24, 2022

Rest in Peace my sweet friend. Your beautiful energy lit up every room. @thelesliejordan ❤️ pic.twitter.com/rgNpe9nbEJ

— Reese Witherspoon (@ReeseW) October 24, 2022

So sad to hear we’ve lost Leslie Jordan, a talented and kind soul who is also a member of our Star Trek family.

Leslie played the Ferengi named Kol in Star Trek: Voyager’s “False Profits.” Sending condolences to Leslie’s family, friends, and loved ones. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/NReN3Gx9HR

— Jay Stobie (@StobiesGalaxy) October 24, 2022