Getting a second wind isn’t unheard of in the entertainment industry, but they’re not usually near as successful as Leslie Jordan’s had been before his untimely death. Leslie had been acting on screen for over 30 years, but in 2020 he became a social media celebrity. During the pandemic, Leslie began posting comedic videos on his Instagram account, and they all started to go viral. At this point, there were a lot of Leslie Jordan fans who weren’t familiar with his work as an actor. At a time when many other celebrities were beginning to slow down, Leslie Jordan was going strong. Keep reading to learn ten things you didn’t know about Leslie Jordan.
1. He Started Telling Jokes As A Way To Avoid Bullying
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Kids can be cruel, so growing up can be especially difficult when you’re different from most people around you. During an interview with Peach ATL, Leslie said, “I was funny as a kid mostly to keep the bullies at bay. You know they used to yell “smear the queer” when we played dodgeball, so I if I could make them laugh, they would leave me alone.”
2. He Was Baptized Over A Dozen Times
Leslie Jordan grew up in Tennessee and had a very conservative southern Christian upbringing. He told Philly Magazine, “I was baptized 14 times. Every time the preacher would say, “Come forward, sinners!” I’d say, “Oooh, I was out in the woods with that boy; I better go forward.” My mother thought I was being dramatic. She’d say, “Leslie, you’re already saved,” and I’d say, “Well, I don’t think it took.”
3. He Had Well Over 100 Acting Credits
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Younger people may not realize just how impressive Leslie’s acting career has been. The truth is that he’s been keeping people entertained since way before social media was even a thing. Since making his on-screen debut in 1986, Leslie has gotten nearly 130 acting credits. He also appeared in Ellen’s 90s sitcom. Can you recognize him? His latest show was Call me Kat on Fox.
4. His Father Passed Away When Leslie Was Young
Although Leslie was all about joking and laughing, his life hasn’t always been light-hearted. When Leslie was just 11 years old, his father, a lieutenant in the army, passed away in a plane crash. In an interview with Today, Leslie told a heartwarming story about how his father went out on Christmas Eve to find a doll for Leslie.
5. Leslie Jordan’s Net Worth
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Many people might not know this, but Leslie Jordan wasn’t the richest celebrity. The actor had a net worth of at least $1.5 million in assists and funds. He once said that people assumed he was well off because he usually looked comfortable and happy. But he still hadn’t accomplished everything he wanted.
6. He Was A Playwright
There’s no denying the fact that Leslie was a natural in front of the camera, but he also tried his hand at other areas of the production process. His IMDB profile shows that he has three writing credits, two of which are for the plays Lost in the Pershing Point Hotel and Rockabilly Baby.
7. He Was Once In Jail With Robert Downey Jr.
During the late 90s, Leslie had some run-ins with the law that resulted in him spending a little time in jail. While behind bars, another actor, Robert Downey Jr., was also being brought in. On Leslie’s way out, he was told that he was giving up his bed so Robert could have one. During an interview, Leslie said that he decided to become sober after that incident. The actor never shied away from discussing his problems with drugs and alcohol.
8. He Gained Nearly Five Million Instagram Followers During The Pandemic
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Most people know that Leslie had become a social media star during the pandemic, but most don’t realize how well his social media platforms were doing. During the pandemic alone, he gained about five million followers on Instagram. Despite the actor being famous, he never really expected to blow up on the platform. And it allowed him to work with other big names in the industry, like Dolly Parton.
9. He Was An Author
Many people don’t realize that, on top of everything else he’s done, Leslie is also an author. In 2008, he released a book titled My Trip Down the Pink Carpet. With his social media success, Leslie also earned a book deal. His book, How Y’all Doing?, was released in 2021 and became a New York Times best seller. The book will consist of essays about exciting points in his life. Including his newfound fame after the pandemic.
10. Leslie Jordan passed away
Credit :theLeslieJordan on instagram
In October 2022, Leslie Jordan was driving when a medical incident caused him to lose control of the car—ramming into a building and losing his life. While the exact cause of his death is still unknown, millions of his fans and co-stars of the Will & Grace show shared their condolences on social media. And by their words, Jordan was a light to everyone he met and truly lived the life of a star.
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