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Will & Grace Stars React to Leslie Jordan's Death

Celebrities React to Leslie Jordan's Death: "Make 'Em Giggle in the Great Beyond"

Oct 25 2022

Actors and celebrities alike are mourning the death of beloved actor Leslie Jordan, who died in a car cash following a medical emergency on 24 Oct. "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 rep for Jordan wrote in a statement to POPSUGAR. "What he lacked in height he made up for in generosity and greatness as a son, brother, artist, comedian, partner and human being. 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."

Best known for a series of iconic roles in "Will & Grace," "American Horror Story," and "Hearts Afire," to name a few, Jordan has been recognised for his talents as an actor, comedian, writer, and singer. Shortly after news of his death circulated, his past costars and fellow actors paid tribute to the star.

Former "Will & Grace" cast members in particular remembered Jordan's humour, but most importantly, his heart. "The joy and laughter he brought to every one of his #WillandGrace episodes was palpable. Gone about 30 years too soon. You were loved sweet man," Eric McCormack, who played Will Truman, wrote on his Instagram. Megan Mulllally also reacted to Jordan's passing with a heartwarming tribute, writing, "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."

Below, read the tributes from stars like Debra Messing, Dolly Parton, Viola Davis, and more mourning Jordan's death.

Image Source: Getty / Handout

1. Debra Messing

"How can this be? Oh dear dear Leslie, the whole world has dimmed," Messing captioned an Instagram of the two from "Will & Grace." "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."

Image Source: Getty / NBC

2. Megan Mullally

"my heart is breaking," Mullally wrote in a beautiful tribute on Instagram. "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."

She continued, "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," she wrote. "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."

Image Source: Getty / NBC

3. Sean Hayes

"My heart is broken," Hayes wrote on Instagram. "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. Leslie, you will be missed, my dear friend. 😔❤️"

Image Source: Getty / NBC

4. Eric McCormack

"Crushed to learn about the loss of @thelesliejordan, the funniest and flirtiest southern gent I've ever known," McCormack shared on Instagram. "The joy and laughter he brought to every one of his #WillandGrace episodes was palpable. Gone about 30 years too soon. You were loved sweet man. 💔"

Image Source: Getty / NBC

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5. Dolly Parton

"Well I am as hurt and shocked as if I have lost a family member," Parton said in an Instagram statement. "Leslie and I had a special bond, I think the world felt they had a special bond with him. I know people always say, 'Oh, they will be missed' but in this case that could not be more true. He will be missed by everyone who knew him personally and by everyone who was entertained by him. Rest in peace lil' brother."

Image Source: Getty / Rick Kern

6. Hannah Waddingham

"No, No, No," Waddingham wrote on Twitter. "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. 🖤"

Image Source: Getty / Allen Berezovsky

7. Demi Lovato

"My sweet Leslie.. Your smile and personality lit up the room when I met you," Lovato wrote on her Instagram Stories. "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 honoured to call you a friend. I love you sweet angel."

Image Source: Instagram user demilovato

8. Viola Davis

"Oh no!!! Leslie!! I have nothing but the fondest memories of you while filming The Help," Davis said on Instagram. "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 humour. You lived. You took up space. You were present. Rest well!! 💔💔❤️❤️"

Image Source: Getty / Karwai Tang

9. Michelle Pfeiffer

"I just heard the devastating news of the beloved Leslie Jordan's passing," Pfeiffer wrote. "Leslie was such a light for so many. Generously gifting the world with his love and humour, 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. 💔"

Image Source: Getty / Karwai Tang

10. Mayim Bialik

"They broke the mold when they made Leslie Jordan," Jordan's costar wrote on Instagram. "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."

Bialik also shared a joint statement from the "Call Me Kat" cast: "There aren't words to convey the loss we are experiencing as a cast and a Call Me Kat family. Leslie Jordan was larger than life. He was a Southern gentleman; tender, wise, naughty and hilarious. We got to know and love him at the height of his happiness and joy and it is inconceivable to imagine a world without our Leslie: the man who would spit on his contact lenses before putting them in his eyes, the man who had a story about every man in Hollywood and some of the women as well, the man who lived to make people laugh. We will be taking time to grieve and to celebrate the many gifts Leslie gave to us and to the entire world and we appreciate privacy at this time."

Image Source: Getty / FOX

11. Jackée Harry

"Completely heartbroken," Harry captioned a clip of her and Jordan in "The Cool Kids" on Instagram. "Leslie Jordan was a kind spirit and provided us with so many laughs. 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.‬ Rest peacefully, friend."

Image Source: Getty / FOX

12. George Takei

"I am stunned at the death of Leslie Jordan, who delighted us with his many roles on television and film," the "Star Trek" actor tweeted. "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."

He added in a follow-up tweet, "I'll always remember that wonderful day we spent together, Leslie, in a room filled with hilarity and I dare say LOTS of gaiety. You're gone too, too soon. Make 'em giggle in the great beyond."

Image Source: Getty / Bruce Glikas

13. Quinta Brunson

"Heartbreaking," Brunson wrote in a tweet reacting to the sad news. She then followed up with another, writing, "All of us at Abbott Elementary are sending love to @CallMeKatFOX. We share a stage with this wonderful production and one of my greatest joys was meeting Leslie in the hallway for the first time a few weeks ago. We know this loss is immense. He was pure joy."

Image Source: Getty / Rodin Eckenroth

14. Billy Eichner

"Leslie Jordan. What an angel. Gone much too soon. RIP. ❤️🌈" Eichner wrote in a tweet.

Image Source: Getty / Daniele Venturelli

15. Marlee Matlin

The actor wrote on Twitter, "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."

Image Source: Getty / Michael Kovac

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