Leslie Jordan dead at 67

Leslie Jordan – the Emmy winning actor best known for his work on Will & Grace and star on the FOX sitcom Call Me Kat, as well as being a popular fixture on Instagram during COVID – has passed away at the age of 67.

According to TMZ, the actor was driving this morning when he had a medical episode, which caused him to crash into the side of a building.

During the pandemic, Jordan took to Instagram and posted daily videos that quickly became a light hearted staple for many. His videos were notable for being a quirky and fun escape from what we were all going through at the time. He managed to create a massive following of over 5.8 million followers, which transpired into a brand new later-in-life career for the actor.

Jordan worked for years as a character actor before ever becoming a breakout name. Some of Jordan’s other work over the years includes The Help, The United States vs. Billie Holiday, Murphy Brown, Pee Wee’s Playhouse, Newhart, Perfect Strangers, Arli$$, Ellen, Boston Public, Reba, Ugly Betty, Boston Legal, American Horror Story, and The Cool Kids.

UPDATE: Call Me Kat has halted production indefinitely on its current season in wake of the news of Jordan’s death. Assumingly to both grieve the loss of their friend and co-star as well as figure out the next steps for the show. The actor completed 9 episodes of season 3 – 4 of which already aired.

Actor Jim Parsons, the executive producer on the show shared the news, “If Leslie touched your life in any way, from near or far, you were never the same. Leslie was both a man of the earth and an absolute angel. He was funny as hell and had a depth of emotion that made everyone around him feel loved. I am shocked and sad beyond words to learn of his death, but I am equally filled with immense gratitude at having crossed his path on his journey. Rest in peace, you good, good man.”

A FOX representative released a statement on behalf of the network stating, “We are shocked and devastated by today’s tragic passing of Leslie Jordan. Leslie was far more than an Emmy Award winning comedic talent with whom we’ve laughed alongside for all these years. He 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. The truest of Southern Gentlemen, Leslie carried an infectious exuberance, indelible sense of humor and, throughout, gifted us with countless fond memories that will last forever. As we grieve this sad news, we also wish to extend our most profound sympathies to Leslie’s family, friends and fans, whom he held so dear.”

Warner Bros. Television, the show’s studio released a statement saying, “[We are] devastated about the tragic and sudden loss of our dear friend Leslie Jordan. Leslie was an extraordinary person and talent. He brought joy to fans across the globe. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans at this time.”