'Call Me Kat' Pauses Production As Cast Mourns Leslie Jordan's Death

Actor Leslie Jordan sadly passed away on Monday, October 24. The 67-year-old actor reportedly had a medical emergency behind the wheel of his BMW and crashed into a side of a building while he was driving through Hollywood.

The beloved actor and pandemic TikTok star was beloved by fans and famous friends alike. Many took to social media to mourn the passing of the late "Will & Grace" star, including his new family on Mayim Bialik's sitcom, "Call Me Kat," which has now paused production.

On Monday night, Deadline reported that Mayim Bialik's Fox sitcom "Call Me Kat" has paused production following Leslie Jordan's tragic passing. Jordan had portrayed the character of Phil since season 1 and had completed work on nine episodes of the series before he passed.

Star Mayim Bialik, the cast, and producers mourned Jordan's passing in a joint statement, calling him "tender, wise, naughty, and hilarious."

“There aren’t words to convey the loss we are experiencing as a cast and a Call Me Kat family. Leslie Jordan was larger than life,” the statement read. “He was a Southern gentleman; tender, wise, naughty, and hilarious. We got to know and love him at the height of his happiness and joy and it is inconceivable to imagine a world without our Leslie: the man who would spit on his contact lenses before putting them in his eyes, the man who had a story about every man in Hollywood and some of the women as well, the man who lived to make people laugh. We will be taking time to grieve and to celebrate the many gifts Leslie gave to us and to the entire world and we appreciate privacy at this time.”

Mayim Bialik also took to Twitter to share a few behind-the-scenes snaps. "The Big Bang Theory" alum tweeted, "They broke the mold when they made Leslie Jordan. He was a dear mentor and a beloved friend. I will miss him so much - it’s unimaginable that he’s gone. Rest well, sweet buddy."

Both Fox and Warner Bros. Television also released statements following his tragic passing. A representative for Fox News Entertainment said, “We are shocked and devasted by today’s tragic passing of Leslie Jordan,” adding, “Leslie was far more than an Emmy Award-winning comedic talent with whom we’ve laughed alongside for all these years. He was the kindest person you could ever imagine who simply lit up a room and brought pure joy and huge smiles to millions of people around the world. The truest of Southern Gentlemen, Leslie carried an infectious exuberance, indelible sense of humor and, throughout, gifted us with countless fond memories that will last forever. As we grieve this sad news, we also wish to extend our most profound sympathies to Leslie’s family, friends, and fans, whom he held so dear.”

A statement on behalf of Warner Bros. TV read, “Warner Bros. Television is devastated about the tragic and sudden loss of our dear friend Leslie Jordan. Leslie was an extraordinary person and talent. He brought joy to fans across the globe. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans at this time.”

"Will & Grace" star Sean Hayes, who played Jack in the series, was one of the first to mourn Leslie Jordan's passing on social media.

“My heart is broken,” he tweeted. “Leslie Jordan was one of the funniest people I ever had the pleasure of working with. Everyone who ever met him, loved him. There will never be anyone like him. A unique talent with an enormous, caring heart. You will be missed, my dear friend.”

Eric McCormack, who starred as Will, also tweeted his condolences: “Crushed to learn about the loss of @thelesliejordan, the funniest & flirtiest southern gent I’ve ever known. The joy and laughter he brought to every one of his #WillandGrace episodes was palpable. Gone about thirty years too soon. You were loved, sweet man.”