Leslie Jordan, versatile Emmy-winning actor, dies at 67 in a car crash

Delhil: Leslie Jordan, the actor whose wry Southern drawl and versatility made him a comedy and drama standout on TV series including "Will & Grace" and "American Horror Story," has died.

The Emmy-winner, whose videos turned him into a social media star during the pandemic, was 67.

"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 on Monday.

The native of Chattanooga, Tennessee, who won an outstanding guest actor Emmy in 2005 for his part as Beverly Leslie in “Will & Grace”, had a recurring role on the Mayim Bialik comedy "Call me Kat" and starred on the sitcom “The Cool Kids”.

Jordan's other eclectic credits include “Hearts Afire,” “Boston Legal,” “Fantasy Island" and “The United States vs. Billie Holiday.” He played various roles on the “American Horror Story” franchise series.

Jordan died Monday in a single car crash in Hollywood, according to reports by celebrity website TMZ and the Los Angeles Times, citing unidentified law enforcement sources.

Stars of “Will & Grace" mourned his death. “My heart is broken,” Sean Hayes tweeted. “Everyone who ever met him, loved him. There will never be anyone like him. A unique talent with an enormous, caring heart. You will be missed, my dear friend.”

“Crushed to learn about the loss of @thelesliejordan, the funniest & flirtiest southern gent I've ever known,” tweeted Eric McCormack. “The joy and laughter he brought to every one of his #WillandGrace episodes was palpable.”

Jordan first arrived in Los Angeles in 1982 on a Trailways bus with a dream and $1,200 pinned in my undershorts, hoping to make it as an actor. He was told his 4-foot-11 stature and accent would hold him back, but proved the naysaysers wrong.

His big break came playing the role of a hapless ex-con in a 1989 episode of “Murphy Brown”.

“When that episode aired, my agent called the next day and said, I've never seen anything like this. The phone is ringing off the hook.”