20 January 2023

Coroner says actor Leslie Jordan died of natural causes

20 January 2023

Leslie Jordan, the actor whose wry Southern drawl and versatility made him a standout on TV series including Will & Grace and American Horror Story, died from natural causes and not from a car accident last year, the Los Angeles County coroner’s office has concluded.

The 67-year-old actor died of sudden cardiac dysfunction due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, according to a report by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner.

Arteriosclerosis is hardening of the arteries that can restrict blood flow.

Jordan died at the scene after his car crashed in the Hollywood area on October 24.

A post-mortem examination did not find any signs of life-threatening trauma, according to the coroner’s report, which listed the cause of death as natural.

Jordan had been sober for more than two decades at the time of his death, and toxicology tests did not find any alcohol or drugs in his body.

The 4ft 11in Tennessee native was known for both comic and dramatic roles.

He won an outstanding guest actor Emmy in 2005 for his part as Beverly Leslie in Will & Grace, had a recurring role on the Mayim Bialik comedy Call Me Kat and starred in the sitcom The Cool Kids.

Jordan’s other eclectic credits include Hearts Afire, Boston Legal, Fantasy Island and The United States vs. Billie Holiday.

He played various roles in the American Horror Story series.

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