Actor, comedian Leslie Jordan, 67, killed in vehicle crash
ByKelli Dugan, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
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Leslie Jordan: What you need to know Leslie Jordan was born on April 29, 1955, in Chattanooga, TN. (NCD)
ByKelli Dugan, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
LOS ANGELES — Actor and comedian Leslie Jordan died in a vehicle crash Monday morning in Hollywood after potentially suffering a medical emergency, multiple media outlets reported.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, a driver, likely suffering a medical emergency, drove a car into a wall at the intersection of Cahuenga Boulevard and Romaine Street around 9:45 a.m. The Los Angeles Times confirmed the driver’s identity as Jordan.
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.
“The world is definitely a much darker place today without the love and light of Leslie Jordan,” David Shaul, Jordan’s agent, said in a prepared statement, obtained by Variety.
“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,” Shaul added.
Known for his recurring roles on such TV shows as “American Horror Story,” “Will & Grace,” “Designing Women,” and “The Cool Kids,” Jordan became an overnight social media juggernaut during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to TMZ, Jordan’s Instagram followers mushroomed from about 80,000 to roughly 5.8 million, due to his uplifting – and often silly – video posts.
Sources told the Times that Jordan was driving a BMW when he crashed into the side of a building at Cahuenga Boulevard and Romaine Street in Hollywood at about 9:30 a.m. He was declared dead at the scene.
As per Variety: “One of Jordan’s most celebrated roles was his turn as Earl ‘Brother Boy’ Ingram in the stage play ‘Sordid Lives,’ which was later adapted into a 2000 cult romantic comedy film of the same name.”
Born and raised in Tennessee, Jordan moved to Los Angeles in 1982, launching a 40-year career. He confirmed in 2010 that he had been sober for 13 years, according to the entertainment news outlet.
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Through the years Leslie Jordan (Boston Public) at Fox TV's TCA party at Yamashiro's restaurant in Los Angeles, Ca. 7/18/01. Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Through the years Actor Leslie Jordan arrives at the premiere of Lost In The Pershing Point Hotel November 27, 2001 in West Hollywood, CA. (Photo by Jason Kirk/Getty Images) (Jason Kirk/Getty Images)
Through the years LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 19: Actor Leslie Jordan with the "Outstanding Guest Actor In A Comedy Series" award for his work on "Will & Grace" poses in the press room at the 2006 Creative Arts Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on August 19, 2006 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images) (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Through the years NEW YORK - APRIL 04: Actor Leslie Jordan attends the opening of "Lend Me A Tenor" at the Music Box Theatre on April 4, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Will Ragozzino/Getty Images) (Will Ragozzino/Getty Images)
Through the years BEVERLY HILLS, CA - AUGUST 09: Actor Leslie Jordan attends the premiere Of DreamWorks Pictures' 'The Help' held at The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Samuel Goldwyn Theater on August 9, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images) (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Through the years BEVERLY HILLS, CA - APRIL 12: Leslie Jordan attends the 29th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on April 12, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for GLAAD) (Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for GLAAD)
Through the years BEVERLY HILLS, CA - SEPTEMBER 24: (L-R) Actors Martin Mull, Leslie Jordan and David Alan Grier attend FOX Hosts "The Cool Kids" Outdoor Screening Event at Roxbury Park on September 24, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Earl Gibson III/Getty Images) (Earl Gibson III/Getty Images)
Through the years LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 06: Leslie Jordan attends the Fox Winter TCA at The Fig House on February 06, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images) (Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Through the years (L-R) In this screengrab, Leslie Jordan and Mayim Bialik speak at the 26th Annual Critics Choice Awards on March 07, 2021. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images for the Critics Choice Association) (Getty Images/Getty Images for the Critics Cho)
Through the years NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 27: Leslie Jordan joins Nordstrom to celebrate NYC Pride on June 27, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images for Nordstrom) (Monica Schipper/Getty Images for Nordstrom)
Through the years NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 27: Leslie Jordan and Lady Bunny join Nordstrom to celebrate NYC Pride on June 27, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images for Nordstrom) (Monica Schipper/Getty Images for Nordstrom)
Through the years WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 30: Leslie Jordan attends the 2022 White House Correspondents' Association Dinner at Washington Hilton on April 30, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images) (Paul Morigi/Getty Images)
Leslie Jordan FILE PHOTO: Leslie Jordan co-hosts the announcement of nominees for the 94th Annual Academy Awards on February 08, 2022.(Photo by Handout/Getty Images) (Richard Harbaugh/Getty Images)
