In a recent press release, the Palm Springs Walk of the Stars announced late actor Leslie Jordan will be honored by the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce with the 462nd star on the Walk. Del Shores, a longtime friend of Jordan, expressed his excitement about the honor and shared his fond memories of their friendship.
"Leslie Jordan was my friend, my muse, my confidant, my brother for over 37 years," Shores said. "Leslie would love this honor. He adored Palm Springs and gave back to this beautiful community for decades. I miss him every day, we all do. Now, we can be reminded of his amazing legacy to our entertainment, our laughter, and to our LGBTQ+ community by visiting his Palm Springs' star."
The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce will bestow the 462nd star on the Palm Springs Walk of the Stars to the late actor Leslie Jordan. The ceremonial unveiling of Leslie Jordan's star will be held at the Downtown Palm Springs Park on Friday, October 20, at 11:00 a.m., just four days before the one-year anniversary of the star's passing. The Star Dedication ceremony will be hosted by Del Shores and Emerson Collins and will feature stories from friends and fellow actors Newell Alexander, Rosemary Alexander, Ann Walker, Dale Dickey, Cheyenne Jackson, and lifelong friend and assistant Bart Stevens. Additionally, Danny Myrick is set to perform at the ceremony.
"We are immensely thankful that we have the honor to pay tribute to the remarkably talented and dearly departed Leslie Jordan, with the 462nd star on the Palm Springs Walk of the Stars," said Palm Springs Chamber CEO, Nona Watson.
Leslie Jordan's impact extended beyond his acting career. According to information provided by the Del Shores Foundation, Jordan served on the foundation's Honorary Board as Co-Chair and actively supported the foundation's pandemic livestream fundraiser reading of 'Sordid Lives', which raised over $75,000 for 23 nonprofit theatre partners who were shut down. The Del Shores Foundation launched a successful fundraiser to cover the $15,000 cost of the star, with excess funds used to support DSF grant programs including the awards and grants for LGBTQ+ storytellers in the Writers Search and the 2023 Writers Festival.
Leslie Jordan was a highly regarded actor, comedian, and storyteller known for his remarkable career in film, television, and theater. Born on April 29, 1955, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, he gained widespread recognition for his distinctive Southern charm and wit. Jordan's acting career spanned several decades and included memorable roles in popular TV series such as "Will & Grace," where he portrayed the beloved character Beverley Leslie, earning him an Emmy Award. His endearing personality and comedic talents made him a cherished figure in the entertainment industry and endeared him to fans around the world.