Cathedral City LGBT Days' tribute to Leslie Jordan brings people to laughter and tears

People expect to cry at a tribute for a late and beloved actor. But for Leslie Jordan, most people couldn’t help but also laugh.

On Saturday, film director and playwright Del Shores hosted an event paying homage to Jordan as part of a series of local Pride events called Cathedral City LGBT Days. Jordan, known for roles like Beverley Leslie in “Will & Grace” and Earl “Brother Boy" Ingram in “Sordid Lives,” died at 67 last year. He was an important figure in the LGBTQ community, unapologetic about his sexuality and humorous personality.

Shore, and Jordan’s former costars from “Sordid Lives” and “Southern Baptist Sissies” Rosemary Alexander, Newell Alexander, Ann Walker and Emerson Collins made up a panel that shared their favorite memories and scenes with the late actor. The theater at Mary Pickford is D’Place was packed with fans for the 4 p.m. show, which was held again at 7 p.m.

“I love Leslie Jordan, and that’s why we’re here tonight. To honor him and remember him,” Shores said.

The event included clips from the black comedy and cult classic “Sordid Lives,” which Shores directed and wrote. The audience broke out into laughter each time Jordan showcased his comedic talent as the character Brother Boy.

Newell Alexander’s favorite scene was when his character, Wardell “Bubba” Owens, goes to the mental hospital with a gun to take Brother Boy home. Shores shared that it was Jordan’s idea to have Brother Boy put his wig on backwards and use a peel from a banana the director had eaten earlier as a prop to get laughs.

“Leslie goes ‘No, leave it there. I have a thought,’” Shores said, perfectly imitating Jordan’s distinctive voice.

He also played an Instagram video of Jordan standing in front of Shores’ star near Palm Canyon Theatre. Shores announced that Jordan will be getting his own star, with a ceremony set for Oct. 20. The cost is $15,000 and the Del Shores Foundation is raising funds for it on its website.

"I'm just wondering why he got a star and I didn't?" Jordan says in the Instagram video. He then spills some of his drink on Shores’ star with a mocking “oops.”

Sign up for our free Cathedral City newsletter here: Get top stories in your inbox once a week

But the event wasn’t all laughter. A clip of Jordan as Peanut speaking to the character Andrew in “Southern Baptist Sissies,” also written and directed by Shores, brought tears to the audience and panel's eyes. The film follows four boys who are gay and coping in different ways with how their sexuality conflicts with what they’ve been taught in the Southern Baptist church.

“Don’t become me … Andrew. Don’t live your life in shame. Don’t hide your light under a bushel in these clubs behind a glass of booze. You are worthy of so much more. Go home. Take a good look at yourself in the mirror, and somehow learn to love what you see … Andrew,” Jordan says in the clip.

Shores and Walker also shared their frustration that Jordan died at the height of his career, saying he had much more ahead of him. But Shores concluded that he rejoices that Leslie “went out on top.”

“More than anybody, I want to thank Leslie Jordan — who made my life, your lives … our careers so much better. Thank you Leslie, wherever you are,” Shores said.

Locals share what Jordan meant to them

Robert Burgess and his partner, Rex Waggoner, were sitting in the front row at the event. Burgess said he attended because he loved Jordan, whom he described as a kind and sweet person, and wanted to hear the other actors speak about him.

"He was on a cruise that we were on and he was just hysterical. He's very, very tiny and he had a blue and white seersucker suit on," Burgess said. "He just looked like a little doll you wanted to pick up and kiss."

Waggoner said Jordan was a remarkable personality.

"It's a real loss ... had so many years left of a great career. You know, it's sad," Waggoner said.

Sonny Menguito-Hoeh said he was sad when Jordan passed away, but he still watches his movies and TikToks. He said Jordan meant a lot to the LGBT community because he was always true to himself, humble and helped a lot of people.

"I really love the tribute that they made and (what they said) about the LGBTQ community and supporting every (person) and equality," he said.

Allan Syiek said he's been a fan of Jordan for many years. He wanted to pay tribute to the late actor, and the event ended up exceeding his expectations.

"It really felt like it was a ... celebration of his life, which was important," Syiek said.

Ani Gasparyan covers the western Coachella Valley cities of Desert Hot Springs and Cathedral City. Reach her at ani.gasparyan@desertsun.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: LGBT Days in Cathedral City pays tribute to late actor Leslie Jordan