Paul O’Grady has shared an incredible message he received from his friend Leslie Jordan, as he paid tribute following the actor’s death this week.
Jordan died at the age of 67 after reportedly suffering a medical emergency following a car crash.
In the wake of the Hollywood icon’s death, Paul shared a sweet story about how Jordan ‘enchanted’ the audience when he appeared on his chat show, and the lovely way the actor cheered him up when he fell ill with Covid-19.
‘I was presenting an award at The Pride of Britain Awards tonight and was told that my pal Leslie Jordan had passed away,’ Paul, 67, wrote.
‘I’m absolutely gutted as there was nobody quite like him. Funny, warm, intelligent and a brilliant raconteur. I had to fight to get him on the chat show as the bosses at the time hadn’t heard of him.
‘I got my way in the end and he went down a storm enchanting the studio audience as I knew he would. He was the star of Sordid Lives, American Horror Story and Will and Grace and not surprisingly became an Instagram sensation during lockdown and his West End one man show was as hilarious as it was touching.
‘When I had Covid a few months ago he sent me a message that read “It’ll take more than a dose of Covid to floor a couple of old burlesque queens like us” the world is a much duller place without him and I’m seriously going to miss him. R.I.P Leslie, it was a privilege to have known you.’
Dolly Parton was similarly heartbroken by Jordan’s death, saying she feels like she’s lost a family member.
‘Leslie and I had a special bond,’ she wrote. ‘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 everyone who was entertained by him. Rest in peace lil’ brother.’
Paul and Dolly joined stars including Jordan’s former Will and Grace castmates as they paid tribute following the heartbreaking news.
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David Shaul, Jordan’s agent, confirmed news of his death in a statement.
‘The world is definitely a much darker place today without the love and light of Leslie Jordan,’ it read. ‘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.
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.’
His cause of death has not been confirmed.
Jordan first came to fame in the 80s and enjoyed a Hollywood career that spanned decades.
He graced the big screen countless times, including roles in The Help, Madhouse, Home on the Range and The United States vs Billie Holliday, which was released last year.
He also stole our attention in many TV programs, including Desperate Housewives, Ally McBeal, Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Ugly Betty.
His most famous role came as Karen’s infamous frenemie, Beverley Leslie, in Will & Grace, beside Hayes, McCormack, Debra Messing and Megan Mullally.
One of Jordan’s final stints in front of the camera came in Call Me Kat, the US comedy based on UK sitcom, Miranda.
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