Leslie Jordan, the Emmy-winning actor best known for his roles as Lonnie Garr in “Hearts Afire,” Beverly Leslie in “Will & Grace,” and most recently Phil in “Call Me Kat,” has died. He was 67.
His agent David Shaul confirmed his death to USA TODAY in an emailed statement Monday.
“The world is definitely a much darker place today without the love and light of Leslie Jordan,” Shaul said in a statement. “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. 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.”
The beloved actor and comedian had a decadeslong career on stage and on screen, appearing in a slate of films including “The Help,” “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” and “Fear Inc.” He played Earl “Brother Boy” Ingram on stage in “Sordid Lives” and later took the role to the big screen for the film of the same name.
His TV roles showed his comedic range and he took scene-stealing parts in “Reba,” “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” “Monk,” “George Lopez,” “Ugly Betty,” “The Secret Life of the American Teenager” and more.
The Tennessee native, who won an on outstanding guest actor Emmy in 2005 for “Will & Grace,” most recently starred opposite “Big Bang Theory” alum and star Mayim Bialik on “Call Me Kat” as the newly single head baker at Kat’s diner. The Fox sitcom was renewed for a third season, which premiered in September.
Standing at 4’11”, Jordan was known in Hollywood for his larger-than-life personality and unwavering positivity.
Speaking to USA TODAY at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in April, Jordan showcased his happy-go-lucky attitude: “When I first got the invite, I thought, ‘Oh, why me?’ And I talked to friends and they said, ‘You know what, Leslie? It’s an evening unto itself: There’s comedy, there’s politicians… you see celebrities.’ And I thought, ‘Well, why not?’ So I’m just here with eyes wide open.”
The Southern character actor became a social media sensation in recent years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jordan documented his time in quarantine and his hilarious and relatable rants on Instagram captured collective hearts around the world. He broke the sameness by posting daily videos of himself on Instagram.
Many of Jordan’s videos included him asking “How y’all doin?” and some included stories about Hollywood or his childhood growing up with identical twin sisters and their “mama,” as he called her. Other times he did silly bits like complete an indoor obstacle course.
Earlier this month he released a gospel album called “Company’s Comin'” featuring Dolly Parton, Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlile, Eddie Vedder and Tanya Tucker.
His 2021 memoir, “How Y’all Doing? Misadventures and Mischief From a Life Well Lived,” reached the USA TODAY Best-Selling Books list.
This story is developing.
Contributing: Hannah Yasharoff, Anika Reed
