In 2006, Leslie Jordan became an overnight sensation when his video I’m Gay went viral on YouTube. But Jordan, who came out in 1988, had been acting and singing on stage before that; he released five albums of original songs throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s and starred in Broadway productions like The Best Little Whorehouse Goes Public in 1982 and Aida in 1999.
Who Was Leslie Jordan?
Leslie Jordan was best known for his work in theater and film, with notable roles in Last Exit to Brooklyn (1989), The Help (2011), A Simple Plan (1998), and Sordid Lives: The Series (2000). His breakout role was as Beverley Leslie in Will & Grace. He would have turned 68 on Aug. 20th.
The Early Years
The actor was born James Leslie Jorden in Tennessee in 1952. He earned degrees from both Vanderbilt University and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (UNC) before landing his first roles in theater productions for both schools.
Acting Career
Jordan’s film and television career spanned more than three decades, with notable credits including Bob Roberts (1992), The Help (2011) as Miss Minnie Pearl, American Horror Story: Coven (2013), Will & Grace (2003–2006) and Torch Song Trilogy (1988). His breakout role came in 1993 in Paul Rudnick’s Jeffrey. He was nominated for an Emmy Award for his recurring role as Beverley Leslie on Will & Grace.
Twitter Takes Off
Leslie was always ahead of his time. In 1997, he joined Twitter under a pseudonym; by 2014, he was one of their most popular users with over one million followers. His social media following exploded when he posted selfies in drag. Sadly, his untimely death is evidence that it’s never too late to pursue your passions.
Memes, Movies & More!
While he may be known to most of you as Beverly Leslie from Will & Grace or Clay from American Horror Story: Coven, Mr. Jordan was one of those rare entertainers who went viral before it was really even a thing. Although his name is not immediately familiar, if you’ve ever seen footage from any red carpet event in recent memory — you’re likely familiar with his face. His Vine account launched in 2013 with over half a million followers.
Leslie Jordan was best known for his work in theater and film, with notable roles in Last Exit to Brooklyn (1989), The Help (2011), A Simple Plan (1998), and Sordid Lives: The Series (2000). His breakout role was as Beverley Leslie in Will & Grace. He would have turned 68 on Aug. 20th.
The Early Years
The actor was born James Leslie Jorden in Tennessee in 1952. He earned degrees from both Vanderbilt University and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (UNC) before landing his first roles in theater productions for both schools.
Acting Career
Jordan’s film and television career spanned more than three decades, with notable credits including Bob Roberts (1992), The Help (2011) as Miss Minnie Pearl, American Horror Story: Coven (2013), Will & Grace (2003–2006) and Torch Song Trilogy (1988). His breakout role came in 1993 in Paul Rudnick’s Jeffrey. He was nominated for an Emmy Award for his recurring role as Beverley Leslie on Will & Grace.
Twitter Takes Off
Leslie was always ahead of his time. In 1997, he joined Twitter under a pseudonym; by 2014, he was one of their most popular users with over one million followers. His social media following exploded when he posted selfies in drag. Sadly, his untimely death is evidence that it’s never too late to pursue your passions.
Memes, Movies & More!
While he may be known to most of you as Beverly Leslie from Will & Grace or Clay from American Horror Story: Coven, Mr. Jordan was one of those rare entertainers who went viral before it was really even a thing. Although his name is not immediately familiar, if you’ve ever seen footage from any red carpet event in recent memory — you’re likely familiar with his face. His Vine account launched in 2013 with over half a million followers.

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