If you watched the TV Sitcom “Will & Grace”, you’ll remember this hilarious exchange between these two unforgettable characters:

Beverley: “Karen Walker . . . I thought I smell gin and regret.”
Karen: “Beverley Leslie... You look more like a woman every time I see you.”
Beverley:  “Shall we dance? “
Karen:  “I'd love to. Hop on my feet.”

Leslie Jordan’s character is quickly summed up—effeminate and petite, to say the least!  It’s hard to believe, but Karen’s favorite nemesis was not written for Jordan originally, according to his new autobiography “My Trip down the Pink Carpet”.  The role of Beverley Leslie was first conceived for Joan Collins. Well, Ms. Collins declined to play the conniving rich rival of Karen who stole her beloved maid Rosario.  Leslie Jordan won the role, and the most outrageously hilarious recurring character on “Will & Grace” was born.   He won an Emmy for Best Guest Actor in 2006.

Now Mr. Jordan is well known around the world, but like many other previously “undiscovered” Hollywood actors, he’s actually been working in TV and movies since the 1980s.  He dishes deliciously in this book about himself and his celebrity encounters with Robert Downey, Jr., Luke Perry, Beverly D’Angelo, George Clooney, and Boy George among others.

Then Leslie surprises the reader in the last two chapters by adopting a moving and poignant tone. This lovely little man discusses his homosexuality and alcohol/drug addiction.  He maintains that he was drunk or stoned for twenty years because he hated himself.  No one chooses to be homosexual, he explains.  In fact, he tried to escape from himself.  And that is same reason why so many young gay people commit suicide.  Jordan finally realized that he had to accept himself or die.  Luckily for us, he’s been sober for over ten years now.  So we can plan on enjoying more of his zany characterizations for many years to come.