actually started as a short story that Del wrote, as well as a couple of others. And he called me one day and said that he had put all these stories together into a play. We did a reading of Sordid Lives, the play, and the next day I met him at the dog park, and I told him it was too much, that he needed to toss it. It was so all over the place. Now, in my defense, it didn’t have the funeral scene yet, which tied everything in so nicely! I told him to toss it, but I’m glad he didn’t listen to me! (Laughs) And then, of course, second would be Beverley Leslie from Will & Grace, beause I had so much fun with that part; it was so silly. Which actually leads me right into my next question! How did it feel to win an Emmy for Best Guest Actor against people like Martin Sheen and Patrick Stewart?
But they had different names for it back then. They would say a “mama’s boy” or someone a little “nebbish” or a little “fey”, cause they would want someone gay without them actually saying the word GAY. And then there came a time where everyone wanted a gay person on their TV show, but they would say “we want you to be a little more like Niles on Frasier.” He wasn’t even gay on that show! I mean, he’s gay in real life but gay to them was very urbane and witty. So they’d constantly tell me to act this way or this way and I was like “Honey! You can’t tell me how to be gay! I came out of my mama’s womb and landed in her high heels, honey!” So, out of everything that you’ve ever worked on, what has been your favorite experience? My favorite part was a movie called Sordid Lives. Have you ever seen it? I know you’re a bit young. Of course! That’s part of my gay trifecta along with 9 to 5 and To Wong Foo! Well, there you go! The reason that I think it’s my favorite part is cause I’ve have been able to work with people like Del Shores who have allowed me to do my thing. Like, right now, with American Horror Story, it’s very set. They know what they want the character to be like, to wear. With Del Shores, I have an open reign; I have a say. Brother Boy 26 // davidatlanta.com
The Emmy that I won was given away at the Creative Arts Emmys, which is not the “Emmy” Emmys. And I didn’t even know that! I flew my mother out, paid $500 for a pretty new dress & the only one on the red carpet was Kathy Griffin! (Laughs) I said “Well, where are all the big stars?” and they said the Emmys weren’t until next week and I said “Well, what the fuck is this?!” (Laughs) But in my speech, I was so happy that I had won that I said in my speech, “There’s two ways to combat homophobia, that I know of. One is humor, which I learned in sixth grade when we had to play dodgeball. And two, is to put a face on it.” And I think when the history of the gay community is written, people will look at Will & Grace as a turning point. Things really changed radically during those four–five years. And I think it’s because the culture had a face. They accepted those characters. They laughed, they loved, they were normal people. I was so honored to be a part of it; even a small part. So, to have won that Emmy was amazing! Awesome! Well, my last question for you is what can you tell us about your role on the hit show American Horror Story: Coven? (Laughs) Not a whole lot! These people have threatened me with my life, if I tell you anything! All I can tell you is that I’m a warlock, I’m on a council and you’re just gonna have to watch to see! Be sure to check out Leslie Jordan on American Horror Story: Coven Wednesday nights on FX. Also, be sure to catch him with Del Shores at the 14th Street Playhouse on Nov. 23 and at Lips Atlanta on Nov. 24. Follow him on Twitter at @TheLeslieJordan!