I don’t think a lot about death. Good, right? However, it has been top-of-mind the last several days. Thank goodness, I have not lost anyone close to me. So, what has me dwelling on it? The death of actor Leslie Jordan.
From Murphy Brown to Will and Grace, I have always been a big fan of Mr. Jordan. It seems like he has been on TV my whole life. Never has he failed to make me laugh. No matter the show or how talented and famous the actor he appeared with, I feel he always stole the scene. His comic timing was impeccable.
It made me really happy when so many people “discovered” him during the pandemic with his absolutely delightful social media posts. I was on this bandwagon very early. I remember lying in bed many nights looking to see what he had posted that day. My husband even joined the fan club and would get in bed with me and say, “Let’s see what that funny, little guy is up to.”
The highlight for me came early on in the pandemic when Anderson Cooper featured him on his show. Cooper talked to Jordan while he was on lockdown with his mom in Tennessee. Please know I’m also a huge Anderson Cooper fan. One of my favorite things on this planet is Anderson’s laugh. When I’m having a bad day, I Google it and it always makes me feel better. Every time Anderson Cooper laughs, an angel gets its wings.
The interview was a bright light at a very dark time. Jordan was incredibly charming and so funny. It was apparent Cooper was thrilled to be talking to him about something as silly, and yet uplifting, as an Instagram feed. Yes, Cooper giggled for me multiple times. Google the interview if you want your day made. It’s great.
It was my sister, Jaime, who texted our family group chat with word of Jordan’s passing. I thought she must be mistaken. I just watched him the day before, but it was true. My youngest sister, Rachael, was really upset. She was a huge fan, as well.
I have spent the last several days since it happened just scrolling through Instagram reading all the nice things people have said about Jordan. I have laughed and cried. I honestly can’t remember a celebrity dying and having so many wonderful things said about them by such a wide variety of people—actors, musicians, comedians, directors, writers, news people and just regular ole folks like me. Every single one talked about the love, laughter and joy he brought into their life. It has been so touching to see.
It also got me thinking. What joy will I leave this world? I think I will leave some. I’m basically a good person. I try to help others when I can and I love to make people laugh. However, I think I can do better. I guess we all can, when it comes right down to it, and we should. What is stopping us from being a catalyst of joy?
Leslie Jordan was a true force of joy throughout his life. By turning the camera phone onto himself and not being afraid to be silly, open and honest, he created joy for millions of others. The thing that makes me happiest about this is he did it by just being himself.
We all have joy we can share. Maybe not with countless followers, but even one person makes a difference. We just have to be brave enough to do it. So, tell a funny or embarrassing story, compliment someone, cook an amazing meal for friends, laugh at yourself and with others. The gift is within all of us.
Times are really hard right now. We may have to look for the joy a little harder, but it’s there. Because, “well shit,” if there is no joy, what’s the fucking point?
