Eric McCormack and Sean Hayes remembered “Will & Grace” guest star Leslie Jordan on Monday after learning of the Emmy-winning actor’s death at age 67.
“Crushed to learn about the loss of Leslie Jordan, the funniest & flirtiest southern gent I’ve ever known. The joy and laughter he brought to every one of his ‘Will & Grace’ episodes was palpable. Gone about thirty years too soon. You were loved, sweet man,” wrote McCormack.
Hayes shared a photo of the 4-foot-11 actor and wrote, “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. There will never be anyone like him. A unique talent with an enormous, caring heart. You will be missed, my dear friend.”
Megan Mullally wrote a heartfelt post on Instagram, “My heart is breaking… Leslie Jordan was, hands down, one of the greats. People use that expression a lot, and I’m not sure it’s always applicable. There aren’t that many people who are truly great at anything, but Leslie was flawlessly funny, a virtuoso of comedy. his timing, his delivery, all apparently effortless. You can’t get any better than that.”
She remembered him as a “friendly, fun-loving, dear person,” and shared how on his book tour last month in Washington D.C., “he went off on a series of absolutely hilarious stories that had the very large audience in hysterics for a solid hour.” She concluded, “He was absolutely unique… Love you, Leslie. Miss you already and one thing I know for sure… there will never ever be another you.”
Wrote “Wonder Woman” star Lynda Carter, “Leslie Jordan put a smile on the faces of so many, especially with his pandemic videos. What a feat to keep us all laughing and connected in such difficult times… It feels so cruel that this could happen to such a beautiful soul.”
Tributes also poured in from George Takei, who wrote, “Leslie, we are heartbroken at your loss and will miss your mirth and your inimitable spirit;” Jackée Harry, who shared a clip from Jordan’s episodes of “The Cool Kids;” and Marlee Matlin, who remembered him fondly from her first TV series, “Reasonable Doubts.”
The actor and comedian was also recognized by Sarah Kate Ellis, president & CEO of GLAAD, who said in a statement, “Leslie Jordan was a multi-talented entertainer who charmed audiences for decades with heartfelt characters on-screen and passionate LGBTQ advocacy off-screen. Jordan also became one of today’s most unexpected social media stars, and we will deeply miss the many laughs and messages of positivity he shared with his millions of followers.”
Ellis added, “He was a true class act when it came to sharing his platform and celebrity to help raise awareness and funds for our work to accelerate acceptance for the LGBTQ community. As someone who was very proud of their Tennessee roots, he made it a priority to help increase visibility for LGBTQ for people in the South by participating in The Concert for Love & Acceptance and serving as Grand Marshal at the Nashville AIDS Walk last year.”