Photo: Lisa Rose/FOX
Leslie Jordanmade and remade his name several times throughout his career. As an actor, the Emmy winner was known for his boisterous spirit and funnyman bravado. In his philanthropy, he drew from his own lived experience, championing LGBTQ+ causes and advocating for recovering addicts. He spoke often about his experiences as anopenly gay actorand abouthis two decades of sobriety.
Later in life, he proved himself a true renaissance man. Jordan generated a devoted following on social media, and in 2021 he drew from his southern roots torelease a country music album. Here, a look back at his journey, as the entertainment industrymourns the shocking death of the star at age 67.
Leslie Jordan.Leslie Jordan/Instagraam
Becoming an Instagram star
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jordan assumed the responsibility of entertaining everyone on Instagram. He posted clips that mixedhumor, absurdity and brutal honesty, the perfect recipe for relatable, beloved content. In January 2021,he told PEOPLEthat he posted videos twice a day for 80 days. “People knew me from my characters, but I’m amazed that people discovered me as me. They loved me,” he said. “And they came back.”
Throughout 2020, he joked about the seemingly endless stream of stay-inside orders and mandated restrictions. “Well, s—. What are y’all doing? This is awful,” he said in one Instagram video. “It’s still March. How many days are in March?”
In another relatable ramble online, Jordan shared his struggle to keep streaming shows. “Honey, I conquered Netflix. I watched ‘em all. I watched the one about the tigers. I watched the one about the boy who tortured kittens. I watched the one about the nun who was murdered in 1969,” he said. “There’s nothing left for me to watch. But I’m not about to turn on the news. They will make you think it’s the end of the world.”
Jordan became whatThe Washington Postcalled “our feisty quarantine uncle,” and amassed a fanbase of more than 5 million followers.
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Channeling his southern roots through music
Jordan ventured down another new path in 2021 when he released a country music album entitledCompany’s Comin’. The tracklist was made up of songs and gospel hymns from his youth, some of which were collaborations with major music names likeBrandi Carlileand friend Dolly Parton. In conversation withShania Twainon her Apple Music show, Jordan spoke abouthis southern upbringingin a Baptist family.
“I say this for myself, that music was always my savior. I wouldn’t say the music was my religion, but it was a safe zone where I wasn’t judged,” the actor explained. “I could express myself and it was escapism for me as well. Growing up in a family that believed very much that God was going to be there to help you through things and then also having the music, what an inspiring way to grow up.”
On the day before his tragic death, Jordanshared an Instagram videoof a moving hymn he sang with his country album’s producer, Danny Myrick. “Sunday Mornin' Hymn Singin,” Leslie wrote in the caption. He added that the song “should be comin' out real soon,” and signed off “Love. Light. Leslie.”
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Expanding his platform to TikTok
Jordan took on the video app in October 2021 and saw similar fan love with every one of his posts. He shared stories, posted dancing videos and participated in popular trends. His TikToks earned millions of views, and fans kept asking for more.
On Oct. 7 of this year, Jordan giggled through a story about how he could come out to people in high school, sitting them down and telling them he “had this secret.”
“Then they would look at me and go, ‘Yeah. And what’s the secret? You’re gay and you murdered somebody? What’s the secret?’ " the actor said between laughs.
Three weeks before Jordan’s tragic accident, he reunited withMegan Mullally, who played his rival onWill & Grace. In a nostalgic throwback video, the two took on the personalities of Beverley (Jordan) and Karen (Mullally), exchanging digs in character.
The TikTok’s caption, however, told the castmates' real story. “With friends like this who needs enemies,” said Jordan. “I love you so much @meganomullally and thanks for all your love and support. I had a great time tonight.”
In one of Jordan’s earliest TikToks, theCall Me Katstar complained to the camera about the fit of his too-long tank top.
“I tucked it in because I don’t know how to wear it any other way. ‘Cause look,” he said, stepping out of his jeans to reveal the lengthy shirt that read STOP BEING NOT MY BOYFRIEND. “It just goes and goes! I could wear it like a little mini dress maybe!”
Embracing his top-turned-dress, Jordan began to dance and sing for the camera, showing off the lively, animated personality fans adored throughout his career. “A grown man acting like this,” he deadpanned at the end of the clip.
The roles that made him a star
Jordan was already a recognizable face before social media renewed his renown, having dabbled in film, theater and television since moving to Los Angeles in the 1980s.
Leslie Jordan.CBS via Getty
Jordan’s legacy, however, is forever tied to his performance on the NBC sitcomWill & Grace. He joined the cast in 2001 to play the boisterous nemesis of Karen Walker (Megan Mullally).
Chris Haston/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty
Jordan’s portrayal of Beverley Leslie onWill & Gracewon critical acclaim in 2006, when he took home the Emmy for outstanding guest actor in a comedy series. Then in 2017, Jordan reprised the role for the revival ofWill & Grace, playing Karen’s rival in all three of the show’s reunion seasons.
In 2008, Jordan publishedMy Trip Down The Pink Carpet, an autobiography detailing his journey from Chattanooga to Hollywood. The book told of his experience growing up gay in a conservative, southern family, and the life-changing decision he made to board a Greyhound bus to L.A. and begin his career.
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In 2011, Jordan played Mr. Blackly, the editor-in-chief of the fictional newspaperThe Jackson Journal, inThe Help.He shared the screen with a star-studded cast includingViola Davis,Octavia Spencer andEmma Stone.
Michele K. Short/FX
He also appeared in the third, sixth and ninth season of FX’sAmerican Horror Story. InAmerican Horror Story: Roanoke, he shared the set with another star featured in season 6:Lady Gaga.
“The first day, I showed up and there was a girl standing there and they said, ‘Leslie, have you met Stefani?'” said the actor, recalling howhe failed to recognizethe singer when they first met. “And I thought she was maybe an extra. I didn’t know who she was.”
FX
Jordan has also featured on several reality television shows. 2014, Jordan entered theCelebrity Big Brotherhouse for the 14th installment of the U.K.-based series. He shared the season with stars like Stephanie Pratt and Gary Busey. However he didn’t last long: on day 12, he became the second housemate to be evicted.
Jordan also appeared as a guest judge onRuPaul’s Drag Racein 2013, and even sang onThe Masked Singerduring its sixth season. Hidden beneath a soft serve ice cream costume, Jordan sang “This Little Light of Mine” on the show’s stage.
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Mayim Bialik, who plays Kat, told PEOPLE that the show’s team “will be taking time to grieve and to celebrate the many gifts Leslie gave to us and to the entire world and we appreciate privacy at this time.”
source: people.com
