On Monday, October 25, 2022, the world lost the light that is Leslie Jordan, who died after a car accident in Hollywood. He was 67.

Jordan was probably best known as the recurring character of Beverley Leslie  on Will & Grace. In 2006, He won an Emmy for the playing the sharp-tongued character that would often go toe-to-toe with Megan Mullally’s Karen Walker. In addition, he starred in many movies and TV series including Call Me Kat and American Horror Story. Jordan amplified his fame when he posted viral videos that attracted millionhs of followers during the beginning of pandemic.

“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,” said Sarah Kate Ellis, President & CEO, GLAAD. “He was a loyal friend to so many LGBTQ organizations including GLAAD, most recently hosting our San Francisco Gala in 2018 and 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.”

Ellis continued, “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.”

Watch a 2008 interview between Jordan and Jay Manuel during the 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards where he talks about the iconic movie Sordid Lives in which he stars alongside the late Olivia Newton-John.