Introduction
Leslie Gordon, the actor, writer, and comedian best known for his roles in “Will and Grace” and “American Horror Story”, died on October 24, 2022, at the age of 67. He was involved in a car accident in Hollywood, where he crashed his BMW into the side of a building. According to the LA coroner, he suffered a medical emergency before the crash, which was the result of sudden cardiac dysfunction and arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease Gordon had a long and successful career in the entertainment industry, and was loved by millions of fans for his humor, talent, and personality.
Career Highlights
Gordon was born on April 29, 1955, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He moved to Los Angeles in 1982, where he started his acting career in various TV shows and movies. He rose to fame in 2001, when he joined the cast of “Will and Grace” as Beverley Leslie, the flamboyant and wealthy rival of Karen Walker, played by Megan Mullally. He won an Emmy Award for his performance in 2006, and reprised his role in the revival of the show from 2017 to 2020.
Gordon also appeared in several seasons of “American Horror Story”, playing different characters in the anthology series. He portrayed Quentin Fleming in “Murder House”, Cricket Marlowe in “Roanoke”, Coco St. Pierre Vanderbilt in “Apocalypse”, and Courtney in “1984”. He also starred in other shows, such as “The Cool Kids”, “Call Me Kat”, and “Hearts Afire”.
Gordon was also a writer and a singer, who published his autobiography “How Y’all Doing? Misadventures and Mischief from a Life Well Lived” in April 2021, and released his debut album “Company’s Comin’” in the same month. He collaborated with various country music artists, such as Dolly Parton, Tanya Tucker, and Chris Stapleton.
Social Media Fame
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Gordon became a viral sensation on Instagram, where he posted hilarious videos of his daily life, his fitness routines, his opinions on various topics, and his interactions with celebrities. He amassed over 5.8 million followers on the platform, and was praised for his positivity, authenticity, and humor. He also used his social media influence to raise awareness and funds for various causes, such as AIDS Project Los Angeles, Project Angel Food, and the Trevor Project.
Tributes and Legacy
Gordon’s death shocked and saddened his fans, friends, and colleagues, who expressed their condolences and tributes on social media and in the media. His “Will and Grace” co-star Megan Mullally called him “one of the greats”, and said he was “flawlessly funny, a virtuoso of comedy”. His “American Horror Story” co-star Sarah Paulson said he was “a bright light in a dark time”, and thanked him for his “generosity of spirit and talent”. His “The Cool Kids” co-star Vicki Lawrence said he was “a joy to work with”, and that he “made everyone laugh”.
Gordon’s legacy will live on through his work, his fans, and his loved ones. He was a trailblazer for the LGBTQ+ community, a champion for various social causes, and a source of joy and inspiration for many people. He will be remembered and missed by all who knew him and enjoyed his comedy. Rest in peace, Leslie Gordon.
