Let me tell you something that might surprise you. Leslie Jordan, that charming, pint-sized powerhouse with a Southern twang and a mischievous sparkle in his eye, wasn’t just made for television. Sure, we all adored him in Will & Grace or when he became everyone’s favorite quarantine companion on Instagram. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find a treasure trove of movie roles where Leslie brought that same heart, humor, and unfiltered honesty that made us fall in love with him.
This isn’t just a list. It’s a journey—through stories, characters, and the unforgettable presence of a man who always made space feel warmer just by walking into it.
1. The Help (2011)
IMDb 8.1/10
You know those movies that just stay with you? The Help is one of them. It’s powerful, it’s painful, and it’s beautiful. Set in 1960s Mississippi, the story pulls you deep into the lives of African American maids working in white households. And in the midst of all that tension, heartbreak, and hope? There’s Leslie Jordan—playing Mr. Blackly, the editor of the local paper.
His role is small, sure. But it’s that kind of small that sticks. You remember his scenes not just because of the lines, but because of the way he delivers them. He’s funny without trying too hard. Stern, but not cold. It’s the kind of performance that reminds you why even a few minutes on screen can make a lasting impression.
2. Southern Baptist Sissies (2013)
IMDb 7.4
This one? It hits hard. Southern Baptist Sissies is personal—especially if you’ve ever felt like you didn’t belong. It tells the story of four gay men raised in a conservative Baptist community, and it’s raw, honest, and often heartbreaking. But there’s also Peanut—played by none other than Leslie Jordan.
Peanut’s the kind of barfly who says what everyone else is afraid to say. He’s outrageous, hilarious, and unexpectedly wise. Think of that one uncle at family gatherings who always makes you laugh—then, out of nowhere, hits you with some truth that sticks in your chest. That’s Peanut. And Leslie doesn’t just play him—he embodies him.
3. Sordid Lives (2000)
IMDb 6.6
Okay, now we’re talking cult classic. Sordid Lives is messy, chaotic, and gloriously over-the-top. And right at the heart of that madness is Brother Boy—Leslie Jordan’s unforgettable drag queen alter ego who’s obsessed with Tammy Wynette and stuck in a mental institution.
If that sounds wild, it’s because it is. But it’s also incredibly human. Brother Boy isn’t a caricature—he’s a man clinging to his identity in a world that refuses to understand him. Leslie turns what could’ve been a joke into something genuinely moving. He’s hilarious, of course—but also heartbreaking.
4. The United States vs. Billie Holiday (2021)
IMDb 6.3
Now, let’s switch gears. In The United States vs. Billie Holiday, Leslie takes on the role of Reginald Lord Devine—a flamboyant fashion journalist interviewing the legendary singer. It’s not a lead role, but Leslie makes it shine like only he can.
This film dives deep into the persecution of Billie Holiday by the U.S. government. It’s heavy. Emotional. And amidst all that weight, Leslie brings this brief, glittering moment of glam and wit. He doesn’t detract from the seriousness of the story—he enhances it.
5. Love Ranch (2010)
IMDb 5.6
Imagine this: It’s the 1970s, and Nevada’s first legal brothel is front and center. That’s the world of Love Ranch, starring Helen Mirren and Joe Pesci. And in that world? There’s Leslie Jordan, playing a supporting role with his usual flair.
This film didn’t get the buzz some expected, but Leslie’s presence is still memorable. Even in a gritty, high-stakes story about crime, love, and betrayal, he manages to shine. His character brings moments of levity, a touch of authenticity, and a reminder that even in dark places, humor has a place.
6. Madhouse (2004)
IMDb 5.5
Madhouse is… well, it lives up to its name. A twisted comedy full of chaos, oddballs, and unexpected turns. In the middle of all this is Dr. Morton, played by Leslie, of course. A quirky psychiatrist who’s part of the madness, not necessarily the cure.
Watching this film is like riding a rollercoaster in the dark—you’re not quite sure what’s coming, but you know it’ll be weird and fun. Leslie’s Dr. Morton is the cherry on top—slightly unhinged, oddly comforting, and just enough to keep you guessing.
7. A Very Sordid Wedding (2017)
IMDb 5.4
Brother Boy returns! Seventeen years after Sordid Lives, Leslie steps back into heels and hair spray in A Very Sordid Wedding. This time, the story unfolds in a small Texas town grappling with the legalization of same-sex marriage.
It’s funny, fiery, and timely. And Leslie? He’s the heart of it. Older, maybe, but still fierce. Fabulous. Still fighting.
Revisiting Brother Boy in a more accepting (yet still flawed) world brings a bittersweet kind of joy. It’s like catching up with an old friend—one who’s been through hell and still knows how to make you laugh until your sides hurt.
The Legacy Leslie Left Behind
If you’re still with me, here’s the real takeaway: Leslie Jordan didn’t just act—he connected. Whether he had two minutes of screen time or carried an entire storyline, he gave every role his heart. And that heart? You felt it.
You can find his films scattered across Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu. But more than that, you can find pieces of him in every line he delivered, every joke he cracked, and every tear he shed.
Leslie showed us that being yourself—fully, loudly, and unapologetically—isn’t just brave. It’s revolutionary.
So go watch one of these movies tonight. Laugh. Cry. Reflect. And maybe, just maybe, keep a little bit of Leslie with you.
