Remembering Leslie Jordan: Will & Grace Co-Stars Lead Heartfelt Tributes to the Beloved Comedian
The entertainment world reeled from the sudden and tragic passing of Leslie Jordan on Monday, October 24, at the age of 67. The beloved actor and comedian, cherished for his distinct voice, infectious humor, and magnetic personality, died in a car accident, leaving behind a legacy that touched millions. While Jordan was a prolific performer across film, television, and stage, it was his iconic role as Beverly Leslie in the hit NBC sitcom Will & Grace that cemented his place in pop culture history. Following the devastating news, his former co-stars from the show, including Debra Messing, Sean Hayes, Megan Mullally, and Eric McCormack, quickly took to social media to share their grief and honor their dear friend, painting a poignant picture of a man who brought immense joy to their lives and countless fans worldwide.
Leslie Jordan’s portrayal of Beverly Leslie, the haughty, diminutive, and perpetually scheming rival to Karen Walker (Megan Mullally), was nothing short of legendary. Their on-screen banter and comedic clashes became a highlight of Will & Grace, often stealing scenes and leaving audiences in stitches. His impeccable timing and unique delivery earned him critical acclaim, culminating in an Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series at the 58th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards in 2006. This recognition underscored his exceptional talent and the indelible mark he left on the show. Beyond Will & Grace, Jordan enjoyed a diverse career, with memorable roles in *The Help*, *American Horror Story*, and more recently, *Call Me Kat*. During the pandemic, he soared to new heights of popularity through his viral Instagram videos, where his charming Southern drawl, candid anecdotes, and optimistic outlook provided much-needed comfort and laughter to a global audience. He connected with people on a deeply personal level, sharing slices of his life and making everyone feel like a friend.
Just weeks before his untimely death, Leslie Jordan expressed his enthusiasm for a potential Will & Grace spin-off focused on his character, Beverly Leslie, and Karen Walker. At the Call Me Kat junket, he told HollywoodLife and other outlets, “Wouldn’t that be fun? Yes, I would absolutely be open to it.” This playful desire for more shared screen time with his beloved on-screen nemesis perfectly captured his zest for life and his enduring affection for the characters and world of Will & Grace. His passing has left a profound void, not just in Hollywood, but in the hearts of everyone who was touched by his extraordinary spirit.
Megan Mullally Remembers a “Virtuoso of Comedy”
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Leslie Jordan (@thelesliejordan)
Megan Mullally, Leslie’s beloved on-screen adversary and cherished friend, expressed her profound grief in a touching Instagram post. Accompanying a joyful throwback photo of herself in a black catsuit alongside Leslie in a vibrant red fringed cowboy suit, Megan poured out her heart. “My heart is breaking,” she wrote, her words echoing the sentiments of many. “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.” Her tribute highlighted not only his extraordinary comedic talent but also his genuine warmth and endearing personality that shone through both on and off screen.
Megan then shared a particularly poignant memory from just a month prior to his passing. “I was just with him last month,” she continued, detailing their time together at the prestigious National Book Festival in Washington D.C. Leslie, promoting his best-selling book, had asked Megan to interview him for his event. She recounted how his natural storytelling abilities made her preparation entirely unnecessary. “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,” she wrote. Off-stage, Leslie appeared relaxed and happy, accompanied by his best friend, Mike. Megan observed his deep contentment, particularly with the widespread recognition he had found through Instagram. “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,” she noted. “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.” The bond between the two actors was evident as Megan recalled their final moments together: “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.” This heartfelt farewell underscored the profound personal loss and the irreplaceable nature of Leslie Jordan’s spirit.
Sean Hayes Remembers a “Unique Talent”
Sean Hayes, who famously portrayed Jack McFarland on Will & Grace, was among the first cast members to publicly mourn Leslie Jordan’s death. Sean shared a cherished throwback photo of himself and Leslie together on Instagram, accompanied by an incredibly moving message that resonated with fans worldwide. His words captured the essence of Leslie’s impact: “My heart is broken. Leslie Jordan was one of the funniest people I ever had the pleasure of working with,” Sean wrote. “Everyone who ever met him, loved him. There will never be anyone like him. A unique talent with an enormous, caring heart. Leslie, you will be missed, my dear friend. 😔❤️.” Sean’s tribute emphasized Leslie’s universal appeal and the genuine affection he inspired in everyone he encountered, highlighting his unparalleled comedic timing and the immense kindness that lay beneath his sharp wit. Their on-screen dynamic as Jack and Beverly, though often adversarial, was always infused with a palpable sense of playful respect, reflecting their real-life camaraderie.
Debra Messing’s Poignant Farewell
Debra Messing, known for her role as Will Truman’s best friend, Grace Adler, joined her co-stars in paying homage to Leslie Jordan. Similar to Megan and Sean, Debra chose to share a beautiful and poignant photo on her Instagram account, capturing a heartfelt scene between herself and Leslie on the set of Will & Grace. In her caption, she conveyed the depth of her grief and the profound sense of loss she felt for her friend and colleague.
“How can this be?” she began, her words reflecting the shock and disbelief that many felt upon hearing the news of his passing. “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.” Debra’s message beautifully encapsulated Leslie’s radiant spirit and the immense happiness he brought to those around him. Her call for him to “sing, sing, sing” was a tender nod to his vibrant personality and the infectious energy that made him so beloved. It was a testament to the fact that Leslie Jordan wasn’t just a co-worker but a truly cherished presence whose absence would be deeply felt.
Eric McCormack Mourns a “Sweet, Hilarious Man”
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Eric McCormack (@eric_mccormack)
Eric McCormack, who played the titular Will Truman on Will & Grace, shared a heartfelt tribute that highlighted his personal connection with Leslie. On Instagram, Eric posted a warm photo of himself and Leslie enjoying lunch together in London back in 2014, showcasing a moment of genuine friendship away from the set. His caption was simple yet powerful: “RIP you sweet, hilarious man. We all adored you. 💔,” Eric wrote, capturing the collective affection felt for Leslie. He also thoughtfully tagged co-star Debra Messing and Will & Grace creator Max Mutchnick, signifying the shared grief within their tight-knit professional family. Eric’s words underscored Leslie’s inherent kindness and his ability to bring laughter effortlessly into any room or situation.
Eric followed his Instagram post with a separate, equally moving tribute on Twitter, where he elaborated on Leslie’s unique charm and impact. “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,” he wrote. This message beautifully articulated Leslie’s signature blend of humor and warmth, emphasizing how his presence enriched every episode of the sitcom. The phrase “Gone about thirty years too soon” highlighted the immense tragedy of his premature passing, while the final affirmation, “You were loved, sweet man,” resonated deeply, cementing Leslie’s legacy as a truly adored figure in the hearts of his colleagues and fans alike. The bond within the Will & Grace cast was clearly profound, and Eric’s words were a testament to the special place Leslie held within that family.
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, 2022
Demi Lovato Remembers a “Sweet Angel”
Demi Lovato, who joined the cast of Will & Grace during its highly anticipated reunion seasons from 2017 to 2020, also took to social media to honor Leslie Jordan. Her presence on the show provided a new generation of fans with the opportunity to witness Leslie’s brilliance, and their friendship blossomed into a truly cherished connection.
Demi Lovato honors the late Leslie Jordan in new post:
“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 honored to call you a friend. I love you sweet angel.” pic.twitter.com/tbalvOAhbx
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) October 24, 2022
Demi Lovato shared a heartfelt message on Twitter, accompanied by two selfies of the pair smiling brightly together, capturing their genuine camaraderie. “My sweet Leslie… Your smile and personality lit up the room when I met you,” Demi wrote, reflecting on the immediate and powerful impression Leslie made. “I’m so glad we remained friends after meeting not long ago… we had more plans but our time was cut short. You will be so dearly missed by so many. I’m so honored to call you a friend. I love you sweet angel.” Demi’s words conveyed the deep personal connection they shared, mourning not just a colleague but a true friend whose presence enriched their life. The mention of “more plans” tragically cut short highlights the immense potential and joy that Leslie was still eager to share with the world, making his loss even more profound. Her tribute was a testament to his ability to forge meaningful connections across different generations and walks of life within the industry, leaving an indelible mark on everyone he met.
The outpouring of love and grief from Leslie Jordan’s Will & Grace family, and indeed from across the globe, serves as a powerful testament to the incredible person he was. His unique comedic genius, combined with a truly warm and generous spirit, made him a rare and cherished talent. From his iconic role as Beverly Leslie to his widespread social media fame, Leslie Jordan consistently brought light, laughter, and a touch of Southern charm into the lives of millions. While his physical presence will be dearly missed, the joy he shared, the stories he told, and the love he inspired will undoubtedly live on forever in the hearts of his friends, colleagues, and devoted fans. Leslie Jordan’s legacy is one of pure, unadulterated delight, and he will truly never be forgotten.