Will and Grace actor Leslie Jordan has sadly died at the age of 67.
The beloved TikTok star, known for his hilarious memes, is said to have died earlier this morning in a tragic car crash while on his way to work in Hollywood, writes The Mirror.
The actor was well known for his appearances on TV shows such as Celebrity Big Brother, The Cool Kids and American Horror Story. Leslie is said to have suffered an unspecified "medical issue" at the wheel of his BMW car before crashing into the side of a building, according to his agent Don LeClair. He confirmed Leslie was on his way to the Warner Bros studio set of the Fox television series 'Call Me Kat'.
Leslie co-starred on the show as a newly single gay man working as the head baker at the Louisville, Kentucky, cafe of the lead character, Kat, played by Mayim Bialik. The show, in production for its third season, is largely based on the British sitcom Miranda, by actress and comedian Miranda Hart.
"The world is definitely a much darker place today without the love and light of Leslie Jordan. Not only was he a mega talent and joy to work with, but he provided an emotional sanctuary to the nation at one of its most difficult times," a representative for Jordan said in an emailed statement on Monday.Knowing that he has left the world at the height of both his professional and personal life is the only solace one can have today."
Born on April 29 1955 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, tributes have flooded in for the screen icon, after his death was confirmed by his agent. In a tribute, Star Trek actor George Takei Tweeted: "I am stunned at the death of Leslie Jordan, who delighted us with his many roles on television and film."
He added: "Leslie, we are heartbroken at your loss and will miss your mirth and your inimitable spirit." Actress Jackée Harry, who starred alongside Leslie in The Cool Kids, has also released a heartfelt tribute on her social media this evening.
"Completely heartbroken," she said. "Leslie Jordan was a kind spirit and provided us with so many laughs. Rest peacefully, friend." She added: "This man was never afraid to act a fool! The smiles he brought to our faces doing so can never be counted. They’re endless."
The official RuPaul's Drag Race account has shared a tribute, they Tweeted: "Rest in peace, Leslie Jordan. Thank you for the countless laughs and for sharing your spirit with us all." The Jennifer Hudson Show account Tweeted a picture of the singer cuddling Leslie.
They posted: "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."
Messages have flooded in from fans on Twitter who say the telly star 'got them through lockdown' with his hilarious TikTok clips. His audience quickly grew throughout the pandemic, entertaining more than 2million followers.
Jordan earned an unexpected new following in 2021 when he spent time near family in his hometown, posting daily videos of himself on Instagram.
Many of Jordan's videos included him asking "How ya'll doin?" and some included stories about Hollywood or his childhood growing up with identical twin sisters and their "mama," as he called her.
Wonder Woman actress Lynda Carter Tweeted: "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."
Get the latest celebrity gossip and telly news sent straight to your inbox. Sign up to our weekly Showbiz newsletter here .
