'Call Me Kat' Halts Production After Leslie Jordan's Untimely Death

Production on Call Me Kat has been halted in light of Leslie Jordan‘s untimely passing this week.

The Fox show, where Leslie starred as cafe baker Phil, is currently in season three.

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According to TV Line, filming on the season will be paused for an indefinite period of time.

Leslie had completed filming of nine episodes, and four have already aired. In the upcoming episode, Phil’s new love interest, Jalen (John Griffin), was set to be introduced.

“If Leslie touched your life in any way, from near or far, you were never the same,” Call Me Kat EP Jim Parsons said of Leslie in a tribute on Instagram. “Leslie was both a man of the earth and an absolute angel. He was funny as hell and had a depth of emotion that made everyone around him feel loved.”

Jim added, “I am shocked and sad beyond words to learn of his death, but I am equally filled with immense gratitude at having crossed his path on his journey. Rest in peace, you good, good man.”

Fox and Warner Bros. also released statements after the tragic news.

“We are shocked and devastated by today’s tragic passing of Leslie Jordan,” a rep for Fox said. “Leslie was far more than an Emmy Award winning comedic talent with whom we’ve laughed alongside for all these years. He was the kindest person you could ever imagine who simply lit up a room and brought pure joy and huge smiles to millions of people around the world. The truest of Southern Gentlemen, Leslie carried an infectious exuberance, indelible sense of humor and, throughout, gifted us with countless fond memories that will last forever. As we grieve this sad news, we also wish to extend our most profound sympathies to Leslie’s family, friends and fans, whom he held so dear.”

Warner Bros. Television, the studio behind Call Me Kat, shared in its own statement, “[We are] devastated about the tragic and sudden loss of our dear friend Leslie Jordan. Leslie was an extraordinary person and talent. He brought joy to fans across the globe. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans at this time.”

Read more tributes to Leslie from his former co-stars and friends here…