Actor, part-time local resident Leslie Jordan dies in car crash in Hollywood
Emmy-winning actor and comedian Leslie Jordan died today after the car he was driving crashed into a wall in Hollywood, possibly the result of a medical emergency, according to authorities and published reports.
“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 a statement 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.”
The crash was reported about 9:30 a.m. near Cahuenga Boulevard and Romaine Street, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
The 67-year-old man driving the car died at the scene, according to the LAPD. TMZ, quoting law enforcement sources, said it was suspected he suffered some sort of medical emergency before crashing his BMW into the side of a building.
The Los Angeles County coroner's office later confirmed the motorist was Jordan, but it was not immediately clear if he died as a result of the crash or because of a medical emergency.
The 4-foot-11 Jordan was known for his work on TV shows such as "Will & Grace," for which he won a Primetime Emmy in 2006, "The Cool Kids" and "American Horror Story." Jordan also acted in movies, including "The Help" and "Ski Patrol."
He became a social-media sensation during the early days of the pandemic, posting humorous videos while in quarantine in his native Tennessee, riffing on music, sometimes dancing, and telling stories about his acting career.
"The world is definitely a much darker place today without the love and light of Leslie Jordan,'' his manager, David Shaul, said in a statement. "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."
Jordan was a part-time resident of Palm Springs and hosted several events/shows around the desert over the years, including the Steve Chase Awards Gala for the Desert AIDS Project (now known as DAP Health).
In 2017, Jordan was the special guest at Cathedral City's LGBT Days.
Last March, he poked a bit of fun over not having a star on the Palm Springs Walk of the Stars, spilling his tea over the star of director Del Shores, who worked with Jordan in the film "Sordid Lives."
