"Thank you for the laughs" - Stars pay tribute to 'Will & Grace' star Leslie Jordan

"Thank you for the laughs" - Stars pay tribute to 'Will & Grace' star Leslie Jordan

Actor, comedian, singer, social media star, and 'Jerusalema fan', Leslie Jordan, will be sorely missed. 

Leslie Jordan
Leslie Jordan/ Instagram (@thelesliejordan)

The entertainment industry is mourning the death of Leslie Jordan. The 67-year-old died on Monday, October 24, following a car accident in Hollywood. 

According to several reports, he suffered a "medical emergency" before crashing into the side of a building. His exact cause of death has not been released. 

Leslie is known for his roles in shows such as "American Horror Story', 'Call me Kat', and 'Will & Grace'  - which earned him an Emmy for 'Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series'.

He was also a stage actor and singer. 

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Leslie gained millions of new followers from all over the world during the COVID-19 pandemic. He shared comedy posts on his Instagram page that helped keep people entertained during the difficult period. His following grew to nearly six-million.

The actor bought his first-ever condo at the age of 67, and his fans celebrated with him, saying they were thrilled that he was finally getting the recognition he deserved after decades in the industry. 

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Leslie was a huge fan of Master KG's hit single, 'Jerusalema'

"I just discovered a song that lets you eat and dance at the same time," he joked. "It's a song from South Africa and it is making its way around world and it's spreading the love at the same time... puts you in a good mood." 

Leslie's family has asked people to remember the good times. 

"The love and light that Leslie shared will never go out and we invite you to share your memories and comfort each other during this time. In the coming days, we will be giving a glimpse of a project Leslie was really proud of and was looking forward to sharing with the world," a post on his Instagram read. 

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Leslie was well-loved in the industry and calls many A-list stars his friends. Celebrities took to social media to pay tribute to "one of the funniest" people in the industry. 

"Thank you, Leslie. For everything, you gave to this world. So many laughs, so much inspiration.. You touched my heart and so many others FOREVER!! I love you," singer Demi Lovato wrote on Instagram.

Actress Viola Davis tweeted: "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!" 

'Legally Blonde' star Reese Witherspoon called Leslie a "sweet friend" whose "beautiful energy lit up every room"  

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Country star Dolly Parton says she feels like she has lost a family member.

"Well I am as hurt and shocked as if I have lost a family member," began the country icon, 76. "Leslie and I had a special bond, I think the world felt they had a special bond with him. I know people always say, 'Oh, they will be missed' but in this case that could not be more true. He will be missed by everyone who knew him personally and by everyone who was entertained by him. Rest in peace lil' brother," she wrote on Instagram.

Here's a look at what others, including Shania Twain, Loni Love, and 'Will & Grace' star Sean Hayes, had to say.

Main image credit: Instagram/@thelesliejordan

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