"Thank you for the laughs" - Stars pay tribute to 'Will & Grace' star Leslie Jordan
Updated | By Tamlyn Canham
Actor, comedian, singer, social media star, and 'Jerusalema fan', Leslie Jordan, will be sorely missed.
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 Jordan had just bought his first home at 67...a condo.
— Yashar Ali 🐘 یاشار (@yashar) October 24, 2022
The caption for this video read: "I really did it. It's never too late to be happy, y'all." pic.twitter.com/MOr9vbRk1v
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."
RIP to this legend. Leslie Jordan gave us some pure entertainment.pic.twitter.com/7iD06oEHh8
— Thendo Muloiwa (@MuloiwaThendo) October 24, 2022
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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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
Rest in Peace my sweet friend. Your beautiful energy lit up every room. @thelesliejordan ❤️ pic.twitter.com/rgNpe9nbEJ
— Reese Witherspoon (@ReeseW) October 24, 2022
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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.
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
Completely heartbroken. 💔
— Jackée Harry (@JackeeHarry) October 24, 2022
Leslie Jordan was a kind spirit and provided us with so many laughs. Rest peacefully, friend. pic.twitter.com/eULoI7C9fW
I’m devastated. I loved Leslie and he was truly a force of nature and a beautiful light. He starred in my music videos & we were planning to work together on many projects. But beyond work, he was someone I absolutely loved and admired. The loss is beyond my comprehension. pic.twitter.com/0lzESk8OPn
— Margaret Cho (@margaretcho) 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
So awful to hear about the news of Leslie Jordan, the world has lost such a kind, joyful energy 💔 pic.twitter.com/4QCMt1rhgU
— Shania Twain 💎💎💎 (@ShaniaTwain) October 24, 2022
The last time I worked with Leslie Jordan… we guest co hosted The Talk.. Leslie was so much fun to be around, always had a funny story and he inspired me to keep going in an industry that could be ageist … I will miss you my friend.. Mama is waiting on you. pic.twitter.com/HUsJNFAd9o
— Loni Love (@LoniLove) October 24, 2022
😢😢😢I love him https://t.co/aLUQxfUWzB
— Cardi B (@iamcardib) October 24, 2022
Main image credit: Instagram/@thelesliejordan
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