Leslie Jordan, Beloved Actor & Internet Sensation, Dead at 67

Leslie Jordan, star of series like Will & Grace and creator of goofy viral videos, has passed away. He was 67.

Jordan reportedly suffered a medical emergency and crashed his car into a building in Hollywood, California on Monday. TMZ first reported the news.

Perhaps best known for his Emmy-winning turn as Beverly Leslie on Will & Grace, the multi-hyphenate most recently starred in American Horror Story and Call Me Kat. Jordan became something of a viral sensation during the COVID-19 pandemic due to his humorous Instagram videos, with his followers climbing to over 5 million. His videos depicted the funnyman documenting even the most mundane of his daily activities in his signature Southern drawl, from dancing and attempting to follow exercise videos to sharing his commentary on a variety of subjects. 

The actor-writer-singer also starred in Hearts Afire in the early '90s, and appeared on a variety of series inlcuding Ugly Betty, Boston Legal, Pee-Wee's Playhouse, Caroline in the City, Star Trek: Voyager, and more. Last year, Jordan released a gospel music album titled Company's Comin' and appeared as a guest panelist on The Masked Singer, where he performed "This Little Light of Mine". 

"The world is definitely a much darker place today without the love and light of Leslie Jordan," said Jordan's agent, David Shaul. "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."

Jade Budowski is a freelance writer with a knack for ruining punchlines and harboring dad-aged celebrity crushes. She was previously a reporter/producer at Decider and is a member of the Television Critics Association. Follow her on Twitter: @jadebudowski.