“People think I’m an overnight success, but I’ve been doing this for 40 years now. In the past, I’ve had certain levels of fame – especially with Will & Grace – but it’s nothing compared to how it’s been lately. I used to love sitting in Starbucks with my tea and four different newspapers, but I can’t do that now. People come by and ask for a picture, and I’m so gracious that I’m not gonna say no. Everywhere I go now, it’s like a tiny little public appearance, but it’s what I’ve wanted my entire life. When I first moved to Los Angeles, I remember thinking: ‘Wouldn’t it be fun to walk into a gay club and have everyone know who you are?’ Well, I couldn’t go near a gay club now – it would be a nightmare!”–Actor and Instagram sensation Leslie Jordan, about his newfound fame during COVID-19. In the same interview with NME, he also discussed his love of Ryan Murphy, collaborating with Dolly Parton and his notorious wig in The United States vs. Billie Holiday
Heywood Jablowme
um… He was just b!tching about how nobody even notices him:
“I remember my 50s were tough. As you get older, you walk down the street and people don’t even look at you. It’s weird the way we treat people that are older, and especially in West Hollywood, where everybody wants to be young and beautiful.”
– Queerty, David Reddish article, Feb. 20, 2021.
Vince
In one part he’s grateful for the attention. However gay men past a certain age do experience invisibility. At least in the gay ghettos like weho.
Josh447
Vince
Not true if you’re famous.
winemaker
Ah West Hollywood, the ground zero of phonies and plastic people. Having lived there and dealt with this BS for years, I speak from experience.
ronsfo
From my perspective, Leslie Jordan, is a one-of-a-kind “Gay Man,” he’s cute and clever with his one-man shows I have seen. Leslie Jordan is iconic, genuine, and beautiful because Leslie Jordan plays Leslie Jordan.
yaletownman
Sexual desirability is such a huge part of being gay. For most that desirability is greatly diminished with age. Feeling invisible comes with the territory.
Accepting that can be difficult and even entail a lot of grief but it can also lead us into a journey where we find that our worth and value isn’t limited by our physicality. I think Leslie is proof that we don’t have to be young and hot to have value.
wikidBSTN
The very LAST thing I would ever want is fame. Money I’m OK with. Fame – Nope.
linedrive
Completely agree. I like my anonymity.
Fahd
Any and all gentle musings of Leslie Jordan are worthy of a Queerty post. As regards fame, think of what someone like Mick Jagger or Bruce Springstein goes through, — I get the impression that Leslie is ambivalent about it.
missvamp
he’s just adorable!
Hdtex
He’s a national treasure.
winemaker
Yeah right and is he bitching about how big balk account is?. I seriously doubt it. Really some people crave fame and fortune and they get the fortune but forget that fame and fortune costs, like your privacy. If you don’t want to be bothered when you go out and about, politely decline offers of photos or autographs, simple, sweet and to the point. Just say you’re out for a few minutes of fresh air. Most people understand and will leave you alone. But since this is Los Angeles, where so called movie star sightings are sometimes common, in places like Hollywood and Beverly Hills ,good luck with that
Terrycloth
Alot of restaurants have private rooms. Maybe you should eat and read there..if you don’t want the chance of being bothered. Stay home..I get that a crowd gathers all want a picture or autograph you could be there all day…call ahead if you are a regular they will grant your request.for privacy
charette8596
He’s very likable. Loved him on Boston Legal with Alan Shore (James Spader) as his lawyer and currently on Call me Kat as Phil.