Leslie Jordan’s Early Life
Born on April 29, 1955, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Leslie Jordan’s career has expanded to theatre, film and television. The Emmy-winning actor has made a name for himself for his comic bravado, LGBTQ+ activism, and his beloved social media presence and country music renaissance later in life.
Leslie Jordan’s Hollywood Debut
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Jordan began showing his face on stage and on television shortly after moving to Los Angeles in the ’80s. He took part in such shows. Night Court And Murphy Brown and starred as Whip in the made-for-TV movie Road Raiders. Jordan got his first major movie role as Murray in the 1990 comedy. ski patrol.
Charming Southerner joins cast of CBS’ political satire Hearts are Burning In its second season in 1993. He played newspaper printer Lonnie Garr until the show ended in 1995.
Leslie Jordan in the movie ‘Ellen’
While not sharing the screen with DeGeneres, Jordan guest-starred on an episode of his ’90s sitcom.
In 2021, the duo reunited on his talk show, recalling Jordan’s one-time hilarious role as studio manager. The actor stated that his appearance came shortly after DeGeneres came out, and I thought, “Oh wow. I’m going to be on this gay sitcom.” “I got the script and I’m playing a straight guy.”
He continued arrogantly, “I open my mouth and it comes out 50 yards of purple chiffon.”
Leslie Jordan in “Will & Grace”
Jordan’s legacy is forever tied to his performance on the NBC television show. Will and Grace. She played Karen Walker’s (Megan Mullally) loud nemesis, Beverly Leslie. Jordan joined the cast in his second season in 2001.
Leslie Jordan’s Support for HIV/AIDS Awareness
Throughout his career, Jordan has focused most of his philanthropic efforts on AIDS and HIV outreach. He has participated in charity events such as the 2002 Stroll-A-Thon, which benefits families affected by the disease, in which actor Anthony Heald and fitness guru Tony Horton participate.
In a 2017 HuffPost article, she shared a message for the younger generation today who want to be involved in the conversation.
“I was the generation that walked the streets with hippies and ACT-UP, and with this and this… okay, walk until the cows come home. It will take some interest in your cause,” said Jordan, who experienced the heartbreak firsthand. and fear during the health crisis of the ’80s. “But the only real change is from within. You have to get involved and vote!”
Leslie Jordan’s Substance Relief Help
When it comes to his sobriety journey, Jordan was an open book. She has attended the annual charity dinner for Friendly House, an LA-based women’s addiction treatment center, and regularly spoke about her personal experiences with substance abuse.
Jordan told PEOPLE in 2021 that he relied on alcohol to feel as comfortable as himself before sobering up. “I felt it was so much easier to be gay when I was full. My problem was that I was a bar drinker. I started taking DUIs.”
Eventually, the actor began rehab, and the 12-step program helped him stay sober for the rest of his life.
Leslie Jordan’s Emmy Award
Jordan playing Beverly Leslie Will and Grace He received critical acclaim in 2006 when he took home the Emmy as an outstanding guest star on a comedy series.
Autobiography of Leslie Jordan
Jordan published in 2008 My Journey Down the Pink Carpet, An autobiography detailing his journey from Chattanooga to Hollywood. The book chronicles his experience growing up gay in a conservative, Southern family and his life-changing decision to board a Greyhound bus to Los Angeles and start his career.
Jordan’s book launch party in Los Angeles was attended by many famous friends, including Lily Tomlin, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Leeza Gibbons.
Leslie Jordan’s Hit on Screen and Stage
When Jordan first starred as Earl Ingram Miserable LivesIt was an award-winning play that was staged in 1996. The show was adapted for film in 2000 and then revived as a television show again in 2008. Jordan played the same role in all three productions. Several cast members of the film joined the spin-off, including actresses Rue McClanahan, Caroline Rhea, and Olivia Newton-John.
Leslie Jordan’s Autobiography Comes to Life
Just a few years after its publication, My Journey Down the Pink Carpet It was an Off-Broadway production that took place in New York. The limited run of the game was presented by Lily Tomlin and her husband, Jane Wagner.
Leslie Jordan in “Help”
In 2011, Jordan played Mr. Blackly, the editor-in-chief of the fictional newspaper. Jackson Diaryinside Help. She shared the screen with a star-studded cast that included Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, and Emma Stone.
Guest Roles of Leslie Jordan in the 2010s
Jordan has guest starred on many major television series throughout his career. baby daddy, Ugly Betty And desperate Housewives, among others. Appeared as guest judge RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2013.
Leslie Jordan on ‘Famous Big Brother’
In 2014, Jordan entered the Celebrity Big Brother house for the 14th episode of the UK series. He shared the season with stars like Stephanie Pratt and Gary Busey. However, she didn’t stay on the reality show for long – she became the second housemate to be evicted on day 12.
Leslie Jordan at American Horror Story
Jordan appeared in the third, sixth and ninth seasons of FX. american horror story. Inside American Horror Story: RoanokeHe shared the set with another star in season 6: Lady Gaga.
“I came in the first day and there was a girl standing there and she was like, ‘Leslie, have you met Stefani?’ they said,” said the actor, recalling how he didn’t recognize the singer when they first met. “I thought it might be an extra. I didn’t know who it was.”
Leslie Jordan’s Return to ‘Will & Grace’
In 2017, Jordan reprized her Emmy-winning role as Beverly Leslie. Will and Grace. She played Karen’s opponent in all three of the show’s reunion seasons.
Leslie Jordan on Instagram
Leslie Jordan/Instagram
Jordan took on a new role during the COVID-19 pandemic: He became an Instagram entertainer by posting funny and hilarious clips throughout 2020. He told PEOPLE in January 2021 that he had been posting videos twice a day for 80 days. “People knew me from my characters, but I was surprised that people discovered me as me. They liked me,” he said. “And they came back.”
what happened to jordan Washington post He’s been called “our feisty quarantine uncle” and has amassed over 5 million followers.
Leslie Jordan in ‘The Masked Singer’
in 2021 Masked Singer hosted Jordan as a guest singer in its sixth season. She sang “This Little Light of Mine” on stage, hiding under a soft serve costume.
Leslie Jordan on “Call Me Kat”
on the Fox television show call me KatJordan played Phil, the head baker of the title character’s Louisville-based cafe.
Leslie Jordan’s Country Music Album
In 2021, Jordan released a country music album called. Company Comingcontaining a mix of songs and gospel hymns. Chatting with Shania Twain on the Apple Music show, Jordan talked about her Southern upbringing in a Baptist family.
“I say this for myself, that music has always been my savior. I wouldn’t say music is my religion, but it was a safe space where I wasn’t judged,” the actor said. “I was able to express myself and it was an escape from reality for me too. What an inspiring way to grow up growing up in a family that believes very much that God will be there to help you with everything, and then having music.” ”
Leslie Jordan in Washington, DC
The actor attended the 2022 White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner held in Washington DC on April 30.
That October, the 67-year-old actor died of “sudden heart dysfunction” that caused him to crash into a Hollywood building while driving.
“The world is definitely a much darker place today without Leslie Jordan’s love and light,” her manager, David Shaul, told PEOPLE. “He is not only a mega-talent and a pleasure to work with, but also provided an emotional refuge to the nation during one of its most difficult times. He made up for his lack of stature with generosity and greatness as a son, brother, artist, comedian, partner and human… Both professionally. And knowing that he left the world at the height of his private life is the only consolation one can have today.”