Leslie Jordan in his new sitcom Call Me Kat. (FOX via Getty)
Will & Grace star and queer legend Leslie Jordan has explained that he can’t go to gay clubs anymore because he’s too famous.
Jordan, best known for playing Beverley Leslie on Will & Grace and later starring in American Horror Story, reached new heights of fame during the coronavirus pandemic, when he became an unexpected Instagram sensation.
Speaking to NME, he said: “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.”
Jordan said that while he used to “love sitting in Starbucks with my tea and four different newspapers”, these kind of outings have now become impossible.
“People come by and ask for a picture, and I’m so gracious that I’m not gonna say no,” he continued.
“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!”
Leslie Jordan likes his life “very quiet”.
Leslie Jordan, who currently stars in the sitcom Call Me Kat, also explained that although his Insta-fame means he can’t go to gay clubs, he probably wouldn’t want to if he could.
The actor, 65, said: “When I first moved to Hollywood, Hugh Hefner was living in the Playboy mansion with seven blonde playmates.
“I thought: ‘That’s what I want, but with seven blonde boys.’ I figured we’d sit around all day having brunch because that was the hot new thing then.
“But the other day I realised that if I was living in the Hollywood Hills with seven giggly boys, I’d jump off the Hollywood sign.”
He added: “My life really is very quiet: I’ve made it that way because I like it. At my age, you can’t be in the club showing your ass – it’s like, ‘Honey, get off the dance floor, you’re 65 now!’”