Celebrities React to Leslie Jordan’s Sudden Death

On Monday, many of Hollywood’s biggest names took to social media to mourn the loss of actor Leslie Jordan.

Leslie’s “Will & Grace” co-star Sean Hayes tweeted, “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.”

Eric McCormack, who also starred on "Will & Grace," shared a photo of himself with Leslie. He wrote on Instagram, "Lunch with my friend #LeslieJordan in London, 2014. RIP you sweet, hilarious man. We all adored you. 💔 #WillandGrace @seanhayes @therealdebramessing @maxmutchnick."

Megan Mullally, who played Karen on "Will & Grace, admitted her heart was "breaking" after Leslie's passing. Recalling their last meeting, she wrote on Instagram, "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."

"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!" Megan went on.

Leslie's "The Help" co-star Viola Davis wrote on Instagram, "Oh no!!! Leslie!! I have nothing but the fondest memories of you while filming The Help. I'd never been in the presence of anyone who loved life and people as much as you. Your heart was as big as your humor. You lived. You took up space. You were present. Rest well!! 💔💔❤️❤️."

Jordan's "Call Me Kat" co-star Mayim Bialik noted that words couldn't convey "the loss we are experiencing as a cast" and admitted that it was "inconceivable" to imagine a world without him. She wrote on Instagram, "They broke the mold when they made Leslie Jordan. He was a dear mentor and a beloved friend. I will miss him so much - it’s unimaginable that he’s gone. Rest well, sweet buddy."

Lynda Carter referenced Jordan’s videos of himself dancing, singing, and cooking during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. She wrote on Twitter, “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.”

Michelle Pfeiffer also mentioned his pandemic videos on her Instagram. She wrote, “I just heard the devastating news of the beloved Leslie Jordan’s passing. Leslie was such a light for so many. Generously gifting the world with his love and humor, especially during this lockdown; one of our bleakest and loneliest times. He lived everyday to bring joy to every one he came in contact with. Such a talent. Such an extraordinary human being. Such a loss. Rest well my friend. 💔.”

“Ted Lasso” star Hannah Waddingham called Leslie’s death “horrendous” news. She added, “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.”

“The Big Bang Theory” star Jim Parsons wrote on Instagram, “If Leslie touched your life in any way, from near or far, you were never the same. Leslie was both a man of the earth and an absolute angel. He was funny as hell and had a depth of emotion that made everyone around him feel loved. I am shocked and sad beyond words to learn of his death, but I am equally filled with immense gratitude at having crossed his path on his journey. Rest in peace, you good, good man. ❤️.”

Lance Bass added on Instagram, “Legend is not a large enough word to describe Leslie Jordan. No one made me laugh harder. This one is heartbreaking. Rest well my friend.”

Jennifer Love Hewitt posted a pic of a smiling Leslie, writing on Instagram, “I feel like I can’t breathe. My beautiful and sweet friend. What will we all do without you? Your entire being spread love, sunshine and goodness. I will miss you more than I have words to say. Love you friend. May you make heaven as joyful as you made earth. 💔.”

Katie Couric was “heartbroken” over Leslie’s death. She wrote on Instagram, “I loved him. He was kind and sensitive and caring and of course funny as hell. He was a true original. The world will be a lot sadder without Leslie in it. 💔.”

In a statement obtained by "Extra", Warner Bros. said, "Warner Bros. Television is devastated about the tragic and sudden loss of our dear friend Leslie Jordan. Leslie was an extraordinary person and talent. He brought joy to fans across the globe. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans at this time.”

In a separate statement, Fox Network said, "We are shocked and devastated by today’s tragic passing of Leslie Jordan. Leslie was far more than an Emmy Award winning comedic talent with whom we’ve laughed alongside for all these years. He was the kindest person you could ever imagine who simply lit up a room and brought pure joy and huge smiles to millions of people around the world. The truest of Southern Gentlemen, Leslie carried an infectious exuberance, indelible sense of humor and, throughout, gifted us with countless fond memories that will last forever. As we grieve this sad news, we also wish to extend our most profound sympathies to Leslie’s family, friends and fans, whom he held so dear.”

See more reactions below.

On Monday, Jordan died following a car crash in Los Angeles. According to TMZ,  law enforcement suspects Jordan suffered a medical emergency while driving his BMW in Hollywood, leading him to crash into a building.

"Extra's" Jenn Lahmers was at the scene of the crash and spoke to a security man, who claimed that Jordan was driving very slowly before he clipped a white truck. Cars were reportedly weaving around his BMW and honking, just before he crashed into a building.

Jordan's final Instagram post for his nearly 6 million followers was a video of a duet of a new song with Danny Myrick. He wrote of the modern hymn, "Sunday Mornin’ Hymn Singin’ with @dannymyrick. Danny helped me with a new original song that should be comin’ out real soon. Love. Light. Leslie."