Leslie Jordan was a talented character actor born on April 29, 1955, in Memphis, Tennessee, to a conservative and deeply religious family. His father, a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army, was killed in a plane crash when Leslie was just 11 years old. After his father's death, Leslie's family moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he was raised.
Leslie's early life was marked by uncertainty and a search for direction. He found solace in comedy and high camp, which led him to pursue a career in acting. He began his career in commercials and on-camera work, eventually landing roles on TV shows such as "The Fall Guy," "The Wizard," "Night Court," "Newhart," and "Midnight Caller."
Leslie's breakthrough role came in the late 1980s with the short-lived comedy-fantasy series "The People Next Door," where he played a regular character. He continued to work in film and television throughout the 1990s, appearing in a range of projects, including "Moving," "Frankenstein General Hospital," "Ski Patrol," "Missing Pieces," and "Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday."
In addition to his acting work, Leslie began to explore his passion for writing. He wrote and performed several one-man shows, including "Hysterical Blindness" and "Like a Dog on Linoleum," which showcased his ability to bare his soul and expose his childhood agonies on stage. These shows were highly introspective and dealt with themes of substance abuse and sex addiction.
Leslie's struggles with addiction and his journey towards recovery are well-documented. He has spoken publicly about his experiences and has used his platform to raise awareness about addiction and mental health.
In the 2000s, Leslie continued to work in film and television, appearing in a range of projects, including "Lost in the Pershing Point Hotel," "Sordid Lives," "I'll Wave Back," and "The Gristle." He also began to write and direct his own projects, including the critically-acclaimed film "Southern Baptist Sissies."
Leslie's most notable role to date is probably his recurring character, Beverley Leslie, on the popular sitcom "Will & Grace." He earned an Emmy nomination for his work on the show and has become known for his wicked banter and dry wit.
Throughout his career, Leslie has appeared in a range of TV shows, including "Murphy Brown," "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman," "Caroline in the City," "Star Trek: Voyager," and "Weird Science." He has also appeared in a number of films, including "Eat Your Heart Out," "Black Velvet Pantsuit," "Barcelona," and "Undead or Alive: A Zombedy."
Leslie has been open about his struggles with addiction and his journey towards recovery. He has used his platform to raise awareness about addiction and mental health and has become a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
