Despite what some of you think (based on my emails!), I'm just as human as the next blogger, and what that means to me is that -- in the vast pantheon of performers, writers, directors, etc. -- there are going to be folks whose work -- for whatever reason -- just doesn't resonate as much with me as it does with others. You know what I mean? There's no denying great performances when you see them -- and I've no doubt that each and every talent has his or her share of good ones and great ones -- but occasionally each of us needs something a bit more to 'click' with a player.
That was always my case with Leslie Jordan.
No matter what I saw him in -- the fellow's career is a wealth of mainstream stuff, but he did give genre fans a glimmer of his gifts here and there -- I always thought he did good (if not great) work ... and, yet, I just never quite connected with him. There's always this indefinable quality about acting -- something that brings fans closer to the actors and actresses they admire more than others -- and this one just escaped me.
Now ...
I want to be perfectly blunt here: I'd still argue that the man was a bona fide genius who knew his brand and delivered on it each and every opportunity. I'm offering the above out of my respect for his persona -- of which I've seen plenty as my lovely wife was a huge, huge fan of his internet stuff, and this guy was arguably one of the funniest dudes of his generation (and I mean THAT with absolutely no reservation at all). This guy was downright hilarious to watch talk about his life, his work, what he did today, why exercise fails him, what he did during COVID, etc. Seriously ... I encourage anyone reading this today to seek out his Instagram and Twitter stuff before it disappears into the great beyond ... it's some damn funny stuff.
So while his work may've never quite tickled my fancy, I'll admit unabashed love for who he was as a human being. That's how I'll remember him, and that's how I think he should be revered. He was a man who opened up doors to share a helluva lot of himself with friends, fans, family, and beyond; and how many of us can say they've ever really accomplished the same?
Dare I say: the world's a colder place without him?
Prayers are extended to the friends, fans, and family of Leslie Jordan.
-- EZ
That was always my case with Leslie Jordan.
No matter what I saw him in -- the fellow's career is a wealth of mainstream stuff, but he did give genre fans a glimmer of his gifts here and there -- I always thought he did good (if not great) work ... and, yet, I just never quite connected with him. There's always this indefinable quality about acting -- something that brings fans closer to the actors and actresses they admire more than others -- and this one just escaped me.
Now ...
I want to be perfectly blunt here: I'd still argue that the man was a bona fide genius who knew his brand and delivered on it each and every opportunity. I'm offering the above out of my respect for his persona -- of which I've seen plenty as my lovely wife was a huge, huge fan of his internet stuff, and this guy was arguably one of the funniest dudes of his generation (and I mean THAT with absolutely no reservation at all). This guy was downright hilarious to watch talk about his life, his work, what he did today, why exercise fails him, what he did during COVID, etc. Seriously ... I encourage anyone reading this today to seek out his Instagram and Twitter stuff before it disappears into the great beyond ... it's some damn funny stuff.
So while his work may've never quite tickled my fancy, I'll admit unabashed love for who he was as a human being. That's how I'll remember him, and that's how I think he should be revered. He was a man who opened up doors to share a helluva lot of himself with friends, fans, family, and beyond; and how many of us can say they've ever really accomplished the same?
Dare I say: the world's a colder place without him?
Prayers are extended to the friends, fans, and family of Leslie Jordan.
-- EZ
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