Leslie Jordan was a beloved entertainer for decades. Following the news of his sudden death in a car accident, many peers and fans took to social media to honor him.
From co-stars to actors and everywhere in between, here are some notable tributes to Jordan.
Megan Mullally
my heart is breaking.
i really can’t believe it. 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.
and what a friendly, fun-loving, dear person. i was just with him last month. the prestigious national book festival was showcasing leslie and his best-selling book in washington d.c., and he’d asked me to come interview him for his event. i’d done my prep, but it was all completely unnecessary, of course, as i just had to barely unleash him and he went off on a series of absolutely hilarious stories that had the very large audience in hysterics for a solid hour.
off-stage, he was so relaxed and happy, there with his best friend mike. he truly seemed so happy. how brilliant it was that millions of people were able to discover the real leslie and his love of life and unparalleled story-telling abilities on instagram. he had so much to share, and it meant so much to him that finally he’d found a vehicle through which to share it. he was absolutely unique. one of a kind. thank you to all of his fans! he really loved you all and was so genuinely appreciative of you.
i’m so so glad that i got to spend some time with leslie that day before and after the event, just us, catching up. i felt such a deep affection for him that day; he was so warm and present and darling. as we were leaving, i got a couple more big hugs and told him i loved him, as usual. so glad! what a gift!
and so. love you, leslie. miss you already. and one thing i know for sure… there will never ever be another you.
Eric McCormack
Crushed to learn about the loss of @thelesliejordan, the funniest & flirtiest southern gent I’ve ever known. The joy and laughter he brought to every one of his #WillandGrace episodes was palpable. Gone about thirty years too soon. You were loved, sweet man. 💔
— Eric McCormack (@EricMcCormack) October 24, 2022Sean Hayes
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. 😔❤️ pic.twitter.com/RNKSamoES0
— Sean Hayes (@SeanHayes) October 24, 2022Debra Messing
“How can this be?
Oh dear dear Leslie, the whole world has dimmed.
The joy & delight you have brought into my life has been a beautiful gift.
I wish I had the words….
Fly with the angels, friend.
And sing, sing, sing.”George Takei
I am stunned at the death of Leslie Jordan, who delighted us with his many roles on television and film. The cause of death was a car crash after he suffered a medical emergency. Leslie, we are heartbroken at your loss and will miss your mirth and your inimitable spirit.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) October 24, 2022Lynda 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. https://t.co/JKj2t8Km7A
— Lynda Carter (@RealLyndaCarter) October 24, 2022RuPaul's Drag Race
Rest in peace, Leslie Jordan. Thank you for the countless laughs and for sharing your spirit with us all. 💘 pic.twitter.com/PzJq31z19T
— RuPaul's Drag Race (@RuPaulsDragRace) October 24, 2022Jackée Harry
Completely heartbroken. 💔
— Jackée Harry (@JackeeHarry) October 24, 2022
Leslie Jordan was a kind spirit and provided us with so many laughs. Rest peacefully, friend. pic.twitter.com/eULoI7C9fWBilly Eichner
Leslie Jordan. What an angel. Gone much too soon. RIP. ❤️🌈
— billy eichner (@billyeichner) October 24, 2022Ellen DeGeneres
I just heard about Leslie Jordan. This is unbelievably tragic. He was such a light. Sending love to his family and friends.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@EllenDeGeneres) October 24, 2022Paul Feig
Just devastated at this news. I worked with Leslie as an actor back in the 80s when he and I were in Ski Patrol together and he was just the best. A true sweetheart and such a funny person. The world is a much sadder place without him in it. RIP Leslie. https://t.co/1V6la8cMYE
— Paul Feig (@paulfeig) October 24, 2022The Jennifer Hudson Show
Leslie Jordan touched so many hearts, including ours. He was not only a beloved comedian but our dear friend. Sending our love and condolences to his family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/OSL5swfw6w
— The Jennifer Hudson Show (@JHudShow) October 24, 2022Grindr
RIP to a legend, we’ll forever stan Leslie Jordan 💜 pic.twitter.com/EKUYsVCQOx
— Grindr (@Grindr) October 24, 2022E. Alex Jung
i hope leslie jordan is twirling with daddy’s hottest angels
— E. Alex Jung (probably) (@e_alexjung) October 24, 2022Kevin McHale
Leslie Jordan was as talented and genuine as they come. What a ray of sunshine. This is just terrible.
— Kevin McHale (@druidDUDE) October 24, 2022Ginger Minj
I am so, so sad to hear about Leslie Jordan’s passing. Such an icon and friend to me in my life, even if we never even met. He was unabashedly southern & queer, two things that don’t always go hand in hand. His ownership of exactly who he was made it easier for me to do the same.
— Ginger Minj (@TheGingerMinj) October 24, 2022Hannah Waddingham
No,No,No.
— Hannah Waddingham. (@hanwaddingham) October 24, 2022
This news is just horrendous. Leslie Jordan. You sunshine through our days. None more so than your selfless warmth and humour through world lockdown. So blessed I got to tell you in person what you’d meant to me. I’m so,so saddened by this news. 🖤 https://t.co/9nXnVRHWQRLoni Love
The last time I worked with Leslie Jordan… we guest co hosted 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 on you. pic.twitter.com/HUsJNFAd9o
— Loni Love (@LoniLove) October 24, 2022Marlee Matlin
I’m so sad to read the news of Leslie Jordan’s passing. He was such a pleasure to work with on my first TV series, Reasonable Doubts. He was at the top of his game and had so much to look forward to. He exuded JOY and LAUGHTER. RIP dear Leslie #LeslieJordan pic.twitter.com/WgmTZjEReG
— Marlee Matlin (@MarleeMatlin) October 24, 2022Caleb Hearon
leslie jordan was a genuine queer icon and a goddamn legend. so grateful for his life and his work. he will be terribly missed.
— caleb hearon (@calebsaysthings) October 24, 2022Kayla Braxton
In utter shock and disbelief - I just met you. And now you’re gone. No words. 💔 https://t.co/5l7yYkDlu2
— Kayla Braxton (@KaylaBraxtonWWE) October 24, 2022