Actor and comedian Leslie Jordan dies in Hollywood crash
The beloved actor and social media star was 67 years old.
HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Actor and comedian Leslie Jordan, best known for his roles in hit sitcoms such as "Hearts Afire" and "Will & Grace," died in a crash Monday, ABC News confirmed. He was 67.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the crash occurred near Cahuenga Boulevard and Romaine Street at around 9:30 a.m. Jordan reportedly died at the scene.
"The world is definitely a much darker place today without the love and light of Leslie Jordan," read a statement issued by the actor's representative David Shaul. "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."
It's unclear what led up to the collision.
Details surrounding the incident remains under investigation.
The Tennessee native, who won an on outstanding guest actor Emmy in 2005 for "Will & Grace," appeared recently on the Mayim Bialik comedy "Call me Kat" and co-starred on the sitcom "The Cool Kids."
Jordan's other eclectic credits include "Fantasy Island," "The United States vs. Billie Holiday."
Jordan earned an unexpected new following in 2021 when he spent time during the pandemic lockdown near family in his hometown. He broke the sameness by posting daily videos of himself on Instagram.
Many of Jordan's videos included him asking "How ya'll 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.
"Someone called from California and said, 'Oh, honey, you've gone viral.' And I said, 'No, no, I don't have COVID. I'm just in Tennessee," said Jordan. Celebrities including Michelle Pfeiffer, Jessica Alba and Anderson Cooper, along with brands such as Reebok and Lululemon, would post comments.
Soon he became fixated with the number of views and followers he had, because there wasn't much else going on.
"For a while there, it was like obsessive. And I thought, 'This is ridiculous. Stop, stop, stop. You know, it almost became, 'If it doesn't happen on Instagram, it didn't happen.' And I thought, 'You're 65, first of all. You're not some teenage girl.'"
The spotlight led to new opportunities. Earlier this month he released a gospel album called "Company's Comin'" featuring Dolly Parton, Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlile, Eddie Vedder and Tanya Tucker. He wrote a new book, "How Y'all Doing?: Misadventures and Mischief from a Life Well Lived."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
