Leslie Jordan, 67, died on Monday, leaving the entertainment industry in mourning. Jordan’s representative confirmed to people that he died in a car accident in Hollywood, California, following an apparent medical emergency. According to the LAPD, the accident happened around 9:30 a.m. local time. Jordan’s co-stars and those in Hollywood paid tribute to him on social media all day after his death was announced.
Dolly Parton paid a heartfelt tribute to Jordan on Monday evening. “Well, I’m as hurt and shocked as if I’d lost a family member,” the 76-year-old country legend began. “Leslie and I had a special bond, and I believe the rest of the world felt the same way about him. I know people always say, ‘Oh, they’ll be missed,’ but that couldn’t be truer in this case. Everyone who knew him personally and everyone who was entertained by him will miss him. Little brother, rest in peace.”
Mayim Bialik, Jordan’s Call Me Kat co-star, issued the following statement to PEOPLE on behalf of the show’s cast and crew: “There are no words to describe the loss we are feeling as a cast and as a Call Me Kat family.” Leslie Jordan was a force to be reckoned with. He was the epitome of a Southern gentleman: tender, wise, naughty, and hilarious. We got to know and love him at the peak of his happiness and joy, and it’s impossible to imagine life without him: the man who spit on his contact lenses before putting them in his eyes, the man who had a story about every man in Hollywood and some of the women, the man who lived to make people laugh. We will be taking time to grieve and to celebrate the many gifts Leslie gave to us and to the entire world and we appreciate privacy at this time.”
Loni Love of The Real paid tribute to Jordan and recalled how he inspired her, writing, “The last time I worked with Leslie Jordan, we co-hosted The Talk as guests. Leslie was a lot of fun to be around because he always had a funny story to tell, and he inspired me to keep going in an industry that can be ageist… My friend, I will miss you. Mama is expecting you.”
Lance Bass also paid tribute to Jordan on social media after his death, writing, “Leslie Jordan is a legend in every sense of the word. Nobody ever made me laugh harder. This one breaks my heart. Rest easy, my friend.”
Jordan’s death was announced by Cardi B, who wrote, “I love you,” after his reaction to her and Megan Thee Stallion’s “WAP” went viral in 2020.
