CNN
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The unexpected death of a TV star and social media darling Leslie Jordan sparked a flood of heartfelt tributes.
The actor died Monday, his talent agent Sarabeth Schedeen told CNN in a statement. He was 67 years old.
Jordan’s most recognizable credit was his time on “Will & Grace” as Beverley Leslie, a role he reprized throughout the series, including its recent reboot.
Co-star Eric McCormack posted two tributes to Jordan on her instagramone showing the pair performing for the show’s cameras.
“Crushed to learn of the loss of @thelesliejordan, the funniest, flirtiest southern man I have ever known,” McCormack wrote in the caption. “The joy and laughter he brought to each of his #WillandGrace episodes was palpable. Gone about 30 years too soon. You were loved, sweet man.
Sean Hayes, who played Jack on the NBC sitcom, also shared a photo, calling Jordan “one of the funniest people I’ve had the pleasure of working with”.
“Everyone who met him loved him. There will never be anyone like him,” he wrote. “A unique talent with a huge, caring heart. Leslie, you will be missed, my dear friend.
Debra Messing, who played Grace on the show, spoke directly to Jordan in his tributesaying “the joy and pleasure you have brought into my life has been a beautiful gift.”
At Megan Mullally’s long and moving tribute, she called Jordan “hands down, one of the greatest”, going on to say that he was “perfectly funny, a comedic virtuoso”. Jordan’s character, Beverley, often traded barbs with Mullally’s Karen on the hit show, creating some of her most heartbreaking moments.
At the end of his tribute, Mullally said, “One thing I’m sure of…there will never be another you.”
Dolly Parton expressed her condolences with a text slide to instagram, writing: “I am as hurt and shocked as if I had lost a member of my family.” She noted the “special bond” she shared with Jordan and said “he will be missed by all who knew him personally and by all who had fun with him”.
The official “RuPaul’s Drag Race” account, on which Jordan acted as a guest judge, also shared a tribute, thanking Jordan. on Twitter for “the countless laughs and for sharing your spirit with all of us.”
TV and movie celebrities — both those who worked with Jordan and not — have also honored the actor.
“Leslie was such a light to so many,” actress Michelle Pfeiffer wrote on instagram. “Generously offering our love and humor to the world, especially during this confinement; one of our darkest and loneliest times. He lived each day to bring joy to everyone he came in contact with.
Loni Love shared a sweet memory, writing that the last time they worked together was when they both co-hosted CBS’ “The Talk” and Jordan “was so fun to be around.”
“[He] always had a fun story and he inspired me to continue in an industry that might be ageist,” she wrote. “I will miss you my friend. Mom is waiting for you.”
On TwitterLynda Carter remembered Jordan for being someone who “brought so many smiles, especially with her pandemic videos.”
“What an achievement to keep us all laughing and staying connected during such difficult times,” she wrote. “It’s so cruel that this could happen to such a beautiful soul.”
Jordan’s most recent role was on Fox’s “Call Me Kat.” The show, which is currently in its third season, halted filming following news of Jordan’s death, according to a Fox Entertainment spokesperson.
In a statement provided to CNN, Fox Entertainment said Jordan “was so much more than an Emmy Award-winning comedic talent that we’ve laughed around all these years. He was the nicest person you could imagine who simply lit up a room and brought pure joy and huge smiles to millions around the world.
