CLIP 05/16/20. [53] In an interview with USA Weekend, McCormack revealed he was not afraid of being typecast. 5 min read Leslie Jordan, the comedic actor from Will & Grace, Murphy Brown and Call Me Kat, has died at age 67. Jordan's videos caught the attention of cultural critics like Brian Moylan. Gone about thirty years too soon. He gave colorful reactions to new music, such as Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallions single, WAP. He created dance montages to pop music from his backyard to his living room. His performance has earned him six Golden Globe nominations and four Emmy nominations, ultimately winning the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series in 2001. [41] Brantley went on to say that McCormack's interpretation of the character is "certainly a more slickly sustained performance" than the one delivered by David Schwimmer in 2005. He attempted to parlay his filmmaking success into writing and directing projects of his own, though the results, like "Haunted Honeymoon," with his second wife, actress Gilda Radner, were mixed. Will became what he describes as a "lady of leisure" for Hal Linden's Alan Mills, while Jack agreed to a date with a cranky elderly gentleman named Bertram. I wanted to be in movies and TV, but this [album] was so far off the radar. : Artificial Insemination." Mars gave memorably funny performances in TV and features for decades, many of which showcased his talents for accents and comic voices: he was the deranged Franz Liebkind in Mel Brooks' original "Producers" and the one-armed Inspector Kemp in "Young Frankenstein," and played Francis's inept German boss on "Malcolm in the Middle." Leslie . She netted an Academy Award nomination for "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" in 1964, and voiced the title role in the 1973 animated film "Charlotte's Web," but worked largely on stage in the 1970s and 1980s. Ferrera comic book fan who co-created Comet Man and "The Dreamwalker" for Marvel with longtime friend and "Lost in Space" star Bill Mumydied of throat cancer at the age of 61 on January 19, 2017. By Diana Dasrath and Tim Stelloh. The cause of death of Will and Grace star Leslie Jordan has been revealed. The veteran actor was driving in Hollywood when he suffered a sudden medical emergency and crashed his BMW into the side of a building. His witty Instagram posts made him a social media sensation during the pandemic. Waiting in the wings for Peter to drop out of contention was an aggravated Rip Taylor(playing himself)who also wanted the spokesperson gig. His manner of death was classified as natural. Sydney Pollack, who played George, began his career as an actor and made his film debut in 1962's "War Hunt" opposite longtime friend and collaborator Robert Redford. Bean parlayed his quirky presence into dozens of acting roles on television from the mid-1950s through the 2010s, including appearances on the original "Twilight Zone," "7th Heaven," "How I Met Your Mother," and a recurring run on "Desperate Housewives" as the husband of Kathryn Joosten's Karen McCluskey. He came up with the confetti-throwing routine that defined his later act during a disastrous appearance on "The Merv Griffin Show," during which Taylor tore up the notecards on which he'd written his jokes. Positive critical and audience reception for her "West Wing" performance led to more high-profile work for Joosten, including a recurring role as an incarnation of God on "Joan of Arcadia," appearances on "Scrubs," "The X-Files" and "My Name is Earl" (as Earl's mother), and a supporting role in "Wedding Crashers." Jack wanted to cast Peter as the face of Out TV, but found that Peter was reluctant to revisit his brief brush with fame. It was not immediately clear whether Jordan was killed in the crash or suffered a medical emergency beforehand, but the condition of the vehicle suggested Jordan may have lost control before slamming into the building, a law enforcement source said. Sperber was also a mainstay of episodic TV, both as a guest star and series regular on such popular shows as "Hearts Afire." Known for his performances on stage and screen, he gained acclaim for his role as Jack McFarland on the NBC sitcom Will & Grace, for which he won a Primetime Emmy Award and four Screen Actors Guild Awards as well as nominations for six Golden Globe Awards.. [59][60], McCormack starred in the science-fiction film Alien Trespass (2009), in which he played Doctor Ted Lewis, who gets possessed by an alien marshal, Urp, after he crash-lands on Earth. Perhaps I didn't have to give my Hamlet before I died, that the world might be an OK place without my Hamlet, in fact. When not working, Valdez finds joy in writing and reading poetry, running, thrifting and experiencing food and music with friends and family. Karen's maid, Rosario Salazar, was initially slated to appear in just one episode, the Season 1 finale "Object of My Rejection," which saw her marry Jack in order to stay in the United States. The star, known for his roles in Will and Grace and American Horror Story, was killed in a car crash in Los. Leslie Jordan Dead at 67 The beloved character actor was most famous for his scene-stealing roles in shows including Will & Grace, Call Me Kat and American Horror Story By Lanford Beard and. His fame grew while starring in NBCs Will & Grace, as well as stints on Ryan Murphys American Horror Story franchise and The Cool Kids, in which he played queer, confident senior citizen Sid Delacroix. The downward spiral of their relationship reminded Will and Grace to curtail their own penchant for cutting each other down, even in jest. Jordan also published a book called How Yall Doing? Film critic Kevin Thomas of the Los Angeles Times wrote that McCormack and Weigel "both make a strong impression". His appearances included "Men in Black," Disney's "Hercules," "The Insider," and "Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story." During the coronavirus pandemic, Jordan's fan base grew as he delivered daily Instagram videos that offered comedic reflections on life during a lockdown. In Season 1's "My Fair Maid-y," Grace's preparation for a design showcase left her so stressed that her apartment fell into disrepair. [24] In addition, he received five Golden Globe Award nominations. ", "Eric McCormack taps into his evil side on Broadway", "Best Actor in a Television Series Musical or Comedy", "Netflix's Master of None wins Aziz Ansari the 2018 Golden Globe for Best Actor in a TV Comedy", "Golden Globes: Aziz Ansari Wins Best Actor in a TV Comedy for 'Master of None', "Aziz Ansari Wins Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Television Comedy or Musical", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Eric_McCormack&oldid=1141070336, Episode: "The Mystery of the Exsanguinated Ex", Best Performance by an Actor in a Series, Comedy or Musical, Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series, Best Vocal Ensemble in a Television Series - Children's/Educational, This page was last edited on 23 February 2023, at 05:36. Among the apartment residents caught in Will and Grace's campaign to head the tenant board association in Season 2's "Election" were Mr. and Mrs. Pressman, a combative couple who were dismayed to hear that all of the fireplaces in the building were sealed up except the one in Will's apartment. The Andromeda Strain received mixed reviews,[48] and McCormack's performance was criticized. Leslie Jordan co-hosted the announcement of nominees for the 94th Academy Awards earlier this year. But to Will's dismay, Nathan found Will's antipathy positively charming. The series, set around a fictional advertising firm, starred McCormack as Mason McGuire, the firm's newly promoted creative director, and deals with his best friend's (Cavanagh) unpredictable behavior. However, George wasn't perfect: both he and his wife, Marilyn (played by Blythe Danner), had affairs, though they patch up their differences shortly before George's (off-screen) death in Season 8. His first signature actin which he pretended to cry while begging the audience for laughsled to a star-making appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show" and steady work as an opening act for major performers like Frank Sinatra in Las Vegas. LOS ANGELES Leslie Jordan, who won an Emmy playing the conniving Beverley Leslie on "Will & Grace" and became a social media sensation during the pandemic, died Monday after he crashed his car into a tree in Hollywood, his agent said. [32] McCormack hosted the fourth episode of the 28th season of the sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live on November 2, 2002. [86] They have a son. But he was best known to television audiences as Beverley Leslie the nemesis of the Karen Walker character played by Megan Mullally who comes out as gay in one of the show's most memorable episodes. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? After his passing, it was revealed the beloved actor had been experiencing a strange symptom in the days beforehand. 0:00. For Will, this included his father, George, who appeared in four episodes of the series, beginning with Season 2's "Oh Dad, Poor Dad, He's Kept Me in the Closet and I'm So Sad." Jordan appeared to be as surprised as anyone that a big chunk of America was following him. IE 11 is not supported. "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. He shared with the audience how his comedy helped his mother, Doris McCormack, endure her breast cancer treatments. Atherosclerosis is the thickening or hardening of the arteries caused by a build-up of plaque. [5] Also in 1993, McCormack appeared in the television movie Double, Double, Toil and Trouble, playing Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's father. Will & Grace co-star Sean Hayes also chimed in, saying: Leslie Jordan was one of the funniest people I ever had the pleasure of working with., Everyone who ever met him, loved him, Hayes tweeted. [51][52], In January 2009, McCormack returned to television in the TNT drama Trust Me, co-starring Tom Cavanagh. Actor and comedian Leslie Jordan has reportedly died following a car crash Monday morning, according to the LA Times. What did Disney actually lose from its Florida battle with DeSantis? In many of his Instagram videos, Jordan shared stories of the difficulties growing up gay in a religious environment with a father who served in the military. "[50] On September 5, 2008, McCormack made a guest appearance in the seventh season and 100th episode of the television series Monk, where he played an unctuous host of a television crime docudrama. I dont have COVID, Jordan joked in one of the videos. [31] In August 2002, as part of the Hollywood Bowl's summer concert series, he reprised the role of Harold Hill for a one-night only appearance in which he and other actors recreated the songs from the production. 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., Jordan earned an Emmy for his role as Beverly Leslie on "Will & Grace" and appeared in dozens of other shows and movies, including "Star Trek: Voyage," "American Horror Story" and "Murphy Brown.". Dan Mryglot, a resident of West Hollywood and managing editor of the WeHo Times, stopped by after working out at the nearby Golds Gym. On Monday, his attorney, Eric Feig, issued a statement: "Yesterday, on Leslies Instagram, Leslie posted himself singing the hymn 'When the Roll is Called Up Yonder.' While holed up in an apartment in his native Chattanooga, Tenn., during the early months of the pandemic in 2020, Jordan found viral fame with a constant string of comedic videos posted to his Instagram. The star, known for his roles in Will and Grace and American Horror Story, was killed in a car crash in Los . He amassed 5.8 million followers, including many celebrities, who tuned in to hear his sassy stories relayed in his Southern accent. You were loved, sweet man, McCormack tweeted. [41] He plays a writer who is ready to settle down and marry, but decides to visit four ex-girlfriends first. He left Ryerson University in 1985 to accept a position with the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, where he spent five years performing in numerous stage productions. New York Times contributor Ben Brantley, in review of the production, wrote: "Playing a thoughtless, woman-despising heterosexual, Mr. McCormack isn't much different from when he was playing a thoughtful, woman-worshiping homosexual. In recent years, Jordan has appeared on multiple seasons of "American Horror Story" -- playing characters in the "Coven," "Roanoke" and "1984" installments -- as well as taking on roles on the TV series "The Cool Kids" and "Call Me Kat.". Mr. Stein returned later that season for "Sex, Losers, and Videotape," in which he began a torrid affair with Karen while the pair, along with Will, bemoaned their stalled love lives. In May 2009, he portrayed "El Gallo" in Reprise Theatre Company's revival of the 1960s musical The Fantasticks at UCLA's Freud Playhouse. But thanks for", "Pride grand marshal David Furnish reflects on growing up gay in a very different Toronto", "Casting call: Susan Sarandon, John Goodman, Eric McCormack", "TV Knows Best -- Seattle TV Critic Kay Mcfadden Tells You What To Waste Your Time On", "Holy Man Murphy Takes the 'Holy' High Road", "B'Way's 'Man' of the hour 'Will & Grace's' Eric McCormack grabs the Baton in 'Music' Revival", "In 'Some Girl(s),' a Pond Scum's Love Song", "Lifetime's 'Lovespring' is a fun match of satire and bad taste", "Doomsday plot of 'Andromeda' stands the test of time", "Tune in Tonight: 'Monk' recaps 100 episodes with parody of news show", "All-Star Guest Cast On-Board When Everyone's Favorite Obsessive-Compulsive Detective", "Review: 'Trust Me': 2 BFFs and 1 promotion", "Networks to burst bubbles after dreadful season", "Eric McCormack gets to exhibit his macho side in 'The Fantasticks. Unfortunately, the disease returned in 2002 and claimed Sperber's life at the age of 47 on November 29, 2005. Im really divided whether I would go on Instagram or anything about it, Jordan said. Jordan had parlayed his newfound fame to release a gospel album called Companys Comin, which featured Dolly Parton, Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlile, Eddie Vedder and Tanya Tucker. There was a feeling that I was a little bit of a disappointment, he recalled during one video. On September 30, 2009, he guest-starred on the police procedural drama Law & Order: Special Victims Unit in the second episode of its 11th season playing an owner of a dating website. The best of Leslie Jordan on Will & Grace, Not everything was caught in the video: New twist in Michael Clarke cheating drama, Princess of Wales shares secret to her slim physique in candid chat, Saving Private Ryan actor Tom Sizemore dies aged 61, Shane Warnes children remember cricket legend on first anniversary of his death, Sydneysiders warned of traffic chaos amid multiple major events, Harry Styles fans surprising response after being offered huge sum to cut up concert ticket, Matthew McConaugheys wife on flight that plunged 1200 metres in turbulence nightmare: Chaos, Cheeky moment between Kate and William has internet obsessed, Lisa Currys emotional post prompts outpouring of love: Time goes so quickly, Bluesfest axes Sticky Fingers from lineup after multiple acts cancel. He was pronounced dead at the scene. He also runs a television production company called . Will Meets James (Taye Diggs) Dressed as Captain von Trapp - Will & Grace. Leslie Jordan, the comedic actor from Will & Grace,Murphy Brown and Call Me Kat, has died at age 67. After decades in showbiz, the 65-year-old found fame on social media and has a new TV show and a second book on the way. Murdaugh's fall from grace ends in life sentence for murder. Morrison worked on other series and features while on the NBC comedy, including a run as the voice of Mrs. Portillo on Disney Jr.'s "Handy Manny." I called it THEE-ate-er, he said. However, the ensuing years had turned the professor into an embittered old man locked into a spiteful relationship with an old friend (played by Oscar nominee Piper Laurie), whom he'd embarrassed in front of colleagues decades ago. . That sort of dealt with all the angst and growing up gay in the Baptist Church and la, la, la, la, la," Jordan said in an Associated Press interview last year. He starred in the television miniseries The Andromeda Strain (2008) and returned to television in 2009 in the TNT drama Trust Me, which was cancelled after one season. [41] Melissa Rose Bernardo of Entertainment Weekly commented that McCormack and Maura Tierney "have incredible chemistry". Jordan, 67, won an Emmy in 2006 for his performance as the snide Beverley Leslie in the hit TV show Will & Grace. His co-stars were among the many who paid tribute on social media Monday. Joosten's final acting role came on an episode of "The Mentalist" in 2012; she died of lung cancer at the age of 72 on June 2 of that year. [12], Also in 1997, he had minor roles in the comedy shows Townies, Veronica's Closet, and Ally McBeal. [95] McCormack is a supporter of same-sex marriage and attended a march in Fresno, California, on May 30, 2009, after the Supreme Court of California upheld a ban on same-sex marriage approved by voters in November by ballot Proposition 8. [76] McCormack also serves as producer for the show. I think it brought a lot of us together in a time when we were not sure what was going on, Wiser said of Jordans Instagram videos. Richard Winton is an investigative crime writer for the Los Angeles Times and part of the team that won the Pulitzer Prize for public service in 2011. Jack Freaks Out Over Grace's Misfortune - Will & Grace. The series also earned critical praise (and Emmys) for its writing and nuanced portrayal of gay and straight characters, which was cited by none other than President Joe Biden as doing more to educate the public onLGBTQ issues than any other series. [36], Will & Grace's eighth and (at the time) final season ended with the series finale on May 18, 2006. [84] He also wrote and sang a song called "Living with Grace" for the 2004 soundtrack to Will & Grace with piano music provided by Barry Manilow. Eric McCormack. Suzy Byrne. CORRECTION (Oct. 24, 2022, 5:20 PM): A previous version of this article misspelled the first name of the character Jordan played on Will & Grace. It is Beverley, not Beverly. I need to post. He was in on the joke, he said. At 65, Leslie Jordan is an Instagram star with a new TV show, book and debut album of old hymns featuring Dolly Parton, Brandi Carlile and Eddie Vedder. Meara also wrote plays, garnered a 1993 Tony nomination for a production of "Anna Christie," and received a shared star with Stiller on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2007. He earned an Emmy for outstanding guest actor in a comedy series for his work in 2006. Actor: Will & Grace. October 24, 2022, 2:46 PM. LOS ANGELES 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. "[3], McCormack graduated from high school in 1982[5] and then enrolled at Ryerson University School of Theatre in Toronto to further improve his acting. He was 67. Diana Dasrath is entertainment producer and senior reporter for NBC News covering all platforms. [88] He became a US citizen in 1999 and holds dual Canadian and US citizenship. Debra Messing as Grace Adler and Leslie Jordan as Beverley Leslie on Will and Grace. "Will & Grace" was Wilder's last on-screen appearance: he died of complications from Alzheimer's disease at the age of 83 on August 29, 2016. The Tennessee native, who won an on outstanding guest actor Emmy in 2005 for "Will & Grace," appeared recently on the Mayim Bialik comedy "Call Me Kat" and co-starred on the sitcom "The . 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. Actor Tom Sizemore dies; Murdaugh trial ends in life sentence; Walgreens limits abortion pill sales; and more morning headlines . The cast did wish . [72] In October 2010, McCormack received a star on Canada's Walk of Fame. ", Character actor Don Perry played Bertram on "Gay/December Romance." Ferrer was also in demand for animated projects, lending his gravelly tones to "Mulan," "Justice League: The New Frontier" (as Martian Manhunter), "Superman: The Animated Series" (as Aquaman and Weather Wizard) and "Adventure Time" (as Death), as well as numerous commercials and theatrical trailers. [38], In January 2017, NBC closed a deal for a new, 10-episode season of Will & Grace during the 201718 season. Character actor Miguel Ferrer got a terrific showcase for his comic talents in Season 1's "Saving Grace," which cast him as an arrogant publicist who considered Grace as a decorator for his house. They are opposites but not in an ash-smudged, Windex-wielding Felix and Oscar way. "[12] McCormack appeared in productions of A Midsummer Night's Dream, Henry V, Murder in the Cathedral and Three Sisters. Problems with alcohol undercut his career in the late 2000s, though Torn continued to act until his death of complications from Alzheimer's disease at the age of 88 on July 9, 2019. Joanna Weiss of the Boston Globe wrote, "The presence of Eric McCormack, as an intrepid TV reporter, is especially extraneous (no disrespect to intrepid reporters). 0:56. I didnt realize [he had blown up] until last night when everybody started calling me telling me youve gone viral," Jordan told NBCs "TODAY" show in March 2020. So I had a list of what I wanted to achieve. He died the following year at the age of 81 on November 18, 2012. When I got off the bus in 1982, I had $1,200. 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, the spokesperson said, referring to Jordans popular COVID lockdown videos. He earned six Emmy nominations and one win for his performance, and would gain two more Emmy nods for a 1994 guest shot on "Chicago Hope" and as TV exec Don Geiss on "30 Rock.". Eugene Elman was born on March 16, 1926 in New York, New York, USA. LOS ANGELES "Will & Grace" actor Leslie Jordan, who was found without a pulse after a car crash in Hollywood last year, died of sudden cardiac dysfunction, officials said Thursday. 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