History of Leslie Jordan in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 21, 2025

Leslie Jordan was a versatile American entertainer known for his roles in television, film, and stage productions. He gained widespread recognition for his comedic timing and memorable performances in shows like Will & Grace and American Horror Story. Jordan's career spanned decades, with notable appearances in Hearts Afire, The Cool Kids, and Call Me Kat. He also reprised his role as Earl "Brother Boy" Ingram in both the play and film versions of Sordid Lives. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he achieved viral fame on Instagram, captivating millions with his humor and personality, and published his autobiography in 2021.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1935: Peggy Ann Griffin's Birth

In 1935, Peggy Ann Griffin, who would become Leslie Jordan's mother, was born.

April 29, 1955: Leslie Jordan's Birth

On April 29, 1955, Leslie Allen Jordan was born. He later became an actor, comedian, writer, and singer.

1955: Leslie Jordan's birth

Leslie Jordan was born in 1955, and grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

March 31, 1967: Father's Death

On March 31, 1967, Leslie Jordan's father, Allen Bernard Jordan, died in a plane crash at Camp Shelby when Leslie was almost 12 years old.

1982: Move to Los Angeles

In 1982, Leslie Jordan moved to Los Angeles, where he became involved with drugs and alcohol and was arrested several times.

1986: First career appearance

In 1986, Leslie Jordan began his career by appearing as Malone in the adventure series The Fall Guy.

1990: Ski Patrol

In 1990, Jordan portrayed the ski patrol director in Ski Patrol.

1993: Hearts Afire Role

In 1993, Leslie Jordan began his role as Lonnie Garr on the television show "Hearts Afire".

1995: Hearts Afire Role

In 1995, Leslie Jordan ended his role as Lonnie Garr on the television show "Hearts Afire".

1996: Sordid Lives Play

In 1996, Leslie Jordan played Earl "Brother Boy" Ingram in the play "Sordid Lives".

2000: Sordid Lives Film

In 2000, Leslie Jordan portrayed Earl "Brother Boy" Ingram in the film "Sordid Lives".

2001: Will & Grace Role

In 2001, Leslie Jordan began his recurring role as Beverley Leslie on the television show "Will & Grace".

2004: Like a Dog on Linoleum tour

In 2004, Leslie Jordan toured the country performing his one-man stage comedy, Like a Dog on Linoleum, to generally favorable reviews.

2006: Will & Grace Role

In 2006, Leslie Jordan continued his recurring role as Beverley Leslie on the television show "Will & Grace".

2006: Emmy Award

In 2006, Leslie Jordan received an Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his role as Beverley Leslie on "Will & Grace".

2007: Guest Starring roles

In 2007, Leslie Jordan guest-starred on "Ugly Betty" as celebrity-trasher Quincy Combs and starred as Jesse Joe in "Hidden Palms".

April 19, 2010: My Trip Down the Pink Carpet

On April 19, 2010, Leslie Jordan's one-man show, "My Trip Down the Pink Carpet," opened off-Broadway at the Midtown Theater.

2010: Sobriety Announcement

In 2010, Leslie Jordan announced that he had been sober for 13 years during an appearance on Wendy Williams' talk show.

2013: American Horror Story Role

In 2013, Leslie Jordan began his appearances in the American Horror Story franchise.

August 18, 2014: Celebrity Big Brother

On August 18, 2014, Leslie Jordan became a housemate in the fourteenth season of the British reality game show Celebrity Big Brother.

August 29, 2014: Left Big Brother House

On August 29, 2014, Leslie Jordan was the second person to leave the Big Brother house.

2014: Interview about growing up Southern Baptist

In a 2014 interview, Leslie Jordan spoke about the difficulties he experienced growing up Southern Baptist.

January 2015: Guest star in Benidorm

In January 2015, Leslie Jordan guest-starred in the British sitcom Benidorm for two episodes, as the character Buck A. Roo.

November 1, 2017: Appeared in Living the Dream

On November 1, 2017, Leslie Jordan appeared in the new British television drama Living the Dream.

2017: Will & Grace Role

In 2017, Leslie Jordan reprised his recurring role as Beverley Leslie on the television show "Will & Grace".

2018: The Cool Kids Role

In 2018, Leslie Jordan began his role as Sid on the television show "The Cool Kids".

2019: American Horror Story Role

In 2019, Leslie Jordan ended his appearances in the American Horror Story franchise.

2019: The Cool Kids

In 2019, Leslie Jordan starred in the Fox sitcom The Cool Kids.

April 2, 2020: Call Me Kat Role

On April 2, 2020, it was announced that Leslie Jordan would play Phil in the Fox sitcom Call Me Kat.

2020: Will & Grace Role

In 2020, Leslie Jordan ended his recurring role as Beverley Leslie on the television show "Will & Grace". In the same year, he became an Instagram contributor, amassing 5.8 million followers.