Leslie Jordan tragically died last year aged sixty-seven.
Jordan passed away in Los Angeles after being involved in a car accident.
But it turns out, that isn’t the full story …
Jordan was best known for playing flamboyant characters throughout his career.
But it wasn’t always easy for the openly gay actor in the entertainment world.
He was born in Chattanooga in 1955 (a very conservative state), and came out as gay to his mother at the age of twelve.
“I told my mother I thought something was up. I didn’t even know the word ‘gay,'” he revealed to PEOPLE in 2021.
“She didn’t pull her Bible out, which I thought she would,” he added.
“She said, ‘I’m just really afraid that if you choose this path, you’ll be ridiculed.'” He shared that she told him to “‘just live your life quietly.’ I didn’t follow her advice on that one.”
Jordan went on to graduate from the University of Tennessee in 1982 and immediately began his route to stardom.
He moved to Los Angeles, where he worked on a wide range of projects before scoring his breakout role in Murphy Brown.
His fame only grew from there…
And he later bagged the role of Beverley Leslie in the hit sitcom Will and Grace, which won him an Emmy.
He has gone on to appear in a variety of popular shows over the years, including American Horror Story and Star Trek: Voyager.
But it was during the pandemic that Jordan found his feet in the world of social media.
The star hit it off with the younger generation on Instagram when he began posting videos of himself in quarantine in his apartment.
Amazingly, he amassed a whopping 5.8 million followers on the app, using his catchphrase “How y’all doin?”
Millions would regularly watch his daily routines and keep up to date with his life in Chattanooga.
It was clearly a shock to Jordan.
In one video, he said of his newfound viral fame…
“A friend of mine called from California and said, ‘You have gone viral.’ And I said, ‘No, honey, I’m fine. I don’t have Covid,'”
In the past, Jordan has spoken candidly about his struggles with substance abuse.
Revealing that he was just fourteen when he started drinking.
He even recalled one time that he was put in a jail cell next to the Ironman star Robert Downey Jr…
Joking that he’s “partially responsible for his success.”
He spoke to CNN host Anderson Cooper about his battle with addiction, after finding sobriety in the ’90s.
“People say ‘Well how do you get sober, what’s the best way,'” Jordan said. “Yeah, well 120 days in the jailhouse in Los Angeles. That will sober you up.”
Since then, Jordan has taken on a variety of new ventures…
He recently released a gospel album called Company’s Comin’ featuring Dolly Parton.
And also wrote a memoir that came out in 2021, titled: How Y’all Doing?: Misadventures and Mischief from a Life Well Lived.
Sadly, his incredible life has been cut short.
It has been reported that Jordan died on Monday morning.
The news has shocked all those who knew and loved the star…
Fox Entertainment said in a statement, “We are shocked and devastated by today’s tragic passing of Leslie Jordan. Leslie was far more than an Emmy Award-winning comedic talent with whom we’ve laughed alongside for all these years.
“He was the kindest person you could ever imagine who simply lit up a room and brought pure joy and huge smiles to millions of people around the world. The truest of Southern Gentlemen, Leslie carried an infectious exuberance, indelible sense of humor and, throughout, gifted us with countless fond memories that will last forever. As we grieve this sad news, we also wish to extend our most profound sympathies to Leslie’s family, friends and fans, whom he held so dear.”
His agent David Saul also gave a heartfelt 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 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.”
Fellow Hollywood stars rushed to pay tribute to Jordan after hearing the news, with Sean Hayes writing: “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,” Hayes added. “There will never be anyone like him. A unique talent with an enormous, caring heart. You will be missed, my dear friend.”
George Takei tweeted: I am stunned at the death of Leslie Jordan, who delighted us with his many roles on television and film.
“Leslie, we are heartbroken at your loss and will miss your mirth and your inimitable spirit.”
RuPaul’s Drag Race — which Jordan appeared on as a judge — wrote: “Rest in peace, Leslie Jordan. Thank you for the countless laughs and for sharing your spirit with us all.”
Jackée Harry wrote: “Completely heartbroken. Leslie Jordan was a kind spirit and provided us with so many laughs. Rest peacefully, friend.”
His hometown of Chattanooga has also paid tribute to the star.
A rep for the city told TMZ that Jordan was known for bringing joy to the community, naming him “one of the cherished sons of Chattanooga.”
His family has reportedly been working with the city to find a venue for a memorial for the actor.
There are also plans to find a permanent way to remember Jordan, with suggestions so far including naming a street or a building after him.
The rep said that Jordan worked with the Chattanooga Mayor at a local restaurant when they were younger.
Even after he rose to fame, the star was sure to return to the city and participate in local events and charities.
TMZ first reported the story, and alleged that the star had been concerned about shortness of breath in recent weeks.
Close friends of Jordan revealed that he actually had a cardiologist appointment already booked to deal with the issue.
It has been reported that Jordan was actually on his way to work at the time of the accident.
Sources said that he was due to film for Call Me Kat on Monday morning, however, the cast and crew became worried when the star failed to turn up.
After that, it is reported that those working on the show scrambled to locate Jordan, before learning he had been involved in an accident.
His co-star in the show Mayim Bialik shared this touching message: “They broke the mold when they made Leslie Jordan. He was a dear mentor and a beloved friend. I will miss him so much — it’s unimaginable that he’s gone. Rest well, sweet buddy.”
Our thoughts go out to all his family and friends during this difficult time.
But fans of Leslie Jordan were offered one glimmer of hope …
As there is one more of his movies still to be released!
The movie is called “Strangers in a Strange Land,” and focused on different cultural and linguistic barriers.
Leslie plays a southerner in Los Angeles to hilarious effect.
In fact, the role was actually written with Leslie in mind!
As of yet, there’s no set release date for the movie.
But we will certainly be keeping an eye out!
And now, Jordan’s cause of death has been revealed.
The L.A. County Coroner’s Office has confirmed that Jordan suffered a “sudden cardiac dysfunction” before his crash.
One of his heart’s arteries was 80% blocked, and another 50%, as per TMZ.
And heartbreakingly, he had a doctor’s appointment booked at his time of death.
Rest in peace.