On Thursday, the Los Angeles coroner confirmed that “Will and Grace” star Leslie Jordan died of sudden cardiac dysfunction and arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease during his car crash on Oct. 24.
The 67-year-old comedian crashed the BMW he was driving into the side of a building in Hollywood and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The coroner’s report revealed two of Jordan’s arteries were significantly blocked, and authorities added that Jordan had recently started seeing a cardiologist for issues with his heart and taking medication. No drugs or alcohol were detected in his system, the report said, noting that he had been sober for 24 years.
Jordan had complained of shortness of breath, before booking an appointment with a cardiologist he was due to see the month he passed away, according to a report from TMZ.
Jordan was a Tennessee native and arrived in LA by bus in 1982. The comedian had a lengthy Hollywood career with roles in “Hearts Afire,” “American Horror Story,” “The Cool Kids” and other roles.
Later on, he won an Emmy in 2006, after playing Beverley Leslie, the rival of Megan Mullally’s Karen Walker on NBC’s “Will and Grace.” Mullally was one of many co-stars to pay tribute to Jordan:
“Leslie Jordan was, hands down, one of the greats. People use that expression a lot, and I’m not sure it’s always applicable. There aren’t that many people who are truly great at anything. But Leslie was flawlessly funny, a virtuoso of comedy. His timing, his delivery, all apparently effortless,” Mullally posted on Instagram.
Jordan became a viral sensation by posting videos throughout the COVID-19 pandemic that chronicled his fitness strategies, such as turning a backscratcher into a baton and his attempts to buy a 300-piece puzzle he had not completed.
“The world is definitely a much darker place today without the love and light of Leslie Jordan,” Jordan’s rep said in a statement following his death. “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,” the statement continued. “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.”
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