Culture

Leslie Jordan: Sean Hayes and Demi Lovato lead tributes to the beloved Will and Grace star

By Jordan Robledo

24th October 2022

Heartwarming tributes for Leslie Jordan have started to roll in after his shocking death.

On 24 October, the LGBTQ+ icon tragically passed away at the age of 67. According to a report from TMZ, the beloved star suffered a “medical emergency” after crashing his BMW into the side of a building.

In an official statement, Jordan’s agent David Schaul confirmed his death before stating that the world was “definitely a much darker place today” without his “love and light”.

“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.”

Shortly after the heartbreaking news made headlines, fans and an array of Jordan’s industry peers flocked to social media to share emotional tributes for the American Horror Story star.

“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,” said Jordan’s Will and Grace co-star Sean Hayes.

“There will never be anyone like him. A unique talent with an enormous, caring heart. You will be missed, my dear friend.”

Demi Lovato echoed similar sentiments in their own tribute on their Instagram story.

“My sweet Leslie… Your smile and personality lit up the room when I met you. I’m so glad we remained friends after meeting not long ago… I’m so honoured to call you a friend. I love you sweet angel,” the singer wrote.

The Real host Loni Love called Jordan an “inspiration” when reflecting on her time working with him on The Talk.

“Leslie was so much fun to be around, always had a funny story and he inspired me to keep going in an industry that could be ageist… I will miss you my friend… Mama is waiting for you,” she said.

An array of Jordan’s AHS co-stars also remembered the hilarious actor across various tributes.

“I love this picture of Leslie. It’s exactly who he was. The most fun in the makeup trailer with the best stories and the biggest heart. A true joy to work with. Sending love to his people who loved him dearly,” Leslie Grossman wrote on Instagram.

Dylan McDermott added: “We lost a great one today. [Leslie Jordan] was a wonderful friend to me. Leslie and I met on American Horror Story and made each other laugh… He truly was my brother. Love you, Leslie. I will miss you dearly.”

Throughout his illustrious career, Jordan made hundreds of appearances across television, film and theatre and won a Primetime Emmy Award for his legendary performance as Beverley Leslie on Will & Grace.

Alongside his iconic acting catalogue, the 67-year-old was also a social media darling, having gone viral on numerous occasions with his hilarious lockdown commentaries, storytimes and pop culture reactions.

See below for more tributes dedicated to Leslie Jordan.