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Home / Entertainment

Actor Leslie Jordan dies in a car crash aged 67

NZ Herald
24 Oct, 2022 06:58 PM5 mins to read

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Leslie Jordan has died aged 67. Photo / Getty Images

Leslie Jordan has died aged 67. Photo / Getty Images

Comedian and actor Leslie Jordan, has died after a car crash in Hollywood on Monday morning.

The Will and Grace actor was behind the wheel of a BMW that crashed into the side of a building at Cahuenga Boulevard and Romaine St in Hollywood at 9.30am.

The 67-year-old actor and beloved personality was declared dead at the scene by paramedics.

His manager confirmed the tragic news to The Post in a statement: "The world is definitely a much darker place today without the love and light of Leslie Jordan. Not only was he a mega talent and joy to work with, but he provided an emotional sanctuary to the nation at one of it"s 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," his manager added. "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."

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It is not yet known if Jordan was killed during the crash, or suffered a medical emergency that led to the accident. However, reports indicated that the vehicle may have lost control before the crash occurred.

Known for his iconic roles in Will and Grace, Jordan won a primetime Emmy in 2006 for his iconic performance as Beverly Leslie - Karen's rival who comes out as gay on the show in one of the most memorable episodes.

Jordan was known for his iconic role in Will and Grace. Photo / Supplied
Jordan was known for his iconic role in Will and Grace. Photo / Supplied

Jordan also starred in American Horror Story, Murphy Brown, Boston Public, Star Trek: Voyage, and Hearts Afire, as well as becoming a social media sensation during the pandemic.

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Jordan clocked up more than 5.8 million followers on Instagram, peaking during lockdown with his "Pillowtalk" series and his trademark southern drawl.

Tributes have begun to flow on social media with celebrities sharing messages to their late friend:

Will and Grace star Sean Hayes shared: "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."

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

Another Will and Grace co-star Eric McCormack shared his tribute to the "flirtiest southern gent".

"Crushed to learn about the loss of @thelesliejordan, the funniest & flirtiest southern gent I've ever known. The joy and laughter he brought to every one of his #WillandGrace episodes was palpable. Gone about thirty years too soon. You were loved, sweet man."

Crushed to learn about the loss of @thelesliejordan, the funniest & flirtiest southern gent I’ve ever known. The joy and laughter he brought to every one of his #WillandGrace episodes was palpable. Gone about thirty years too soon. You were loved, sweet man. 💔

— Eric McCormack (@EricMcCormack) October 24, 2022

"There are not enough wonderful things to possibly say about Leslie Jordan in just a tweet. I am so saddened by this -his social media particularly during Covid brought millions of people such joy as did his legacy career in entertainment. He was also just a kind, sweet lovely man," shared writer Meghan McCain.

There are not enough wonderful things to possibly say about Leslie Jordan in just a tweet. I am so saddened by this -his social media particularly during Covid brought millions of people such joy as did his legacy career in entertainment. He was also just a kind, sweet lovely man pic.twitter.com/CAANBZqQJy

— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) October 24, 2022

And actor George Taiki wrote; "I am stunned at the death of Leslie Jordan, who delighted us with his many roles on television and film. The cause of death was a car crash after he suffered a medical emergency. Leslie, we are heartbroken at your loss and will miss your mirth and your inimitable spirit."

I am stunned at the death of Leslie Jordan, who delighted us with his many roles on television and film. The cause of death was a car crash after he suffered a medical emergency. Leslie, we are heartbroken at your loss and will miss your mirth and your inimitable spirit.

— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) October 24, 2022

Rest in peace, Leslie Jordan. Thank you for the countless laughs and for sharing your spirit with us all. 💘 pic.twitter.com/PzJq31z19T

— RuPaul's Drag Race (@RuPaulsDragRace) October 24, 2022

Leslie Jordan put a smile on the faces of so many, especially with his pandemic videos. What a feat to keep us all laughing and connected in such difficult times... It feels so cruel that this could happen to such a beautiful soul. https://t.co/JKj2t8Km7A

— Lynda Carter (@RealLyndaCarter) October 24, 2022

More to come.

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