Leslie Jordan was forced to turn down a recurring role in the upcoming "American Horror Story: Freak Show" as he was previously committed to be one of the housemates in the fourteenth season of the British reality television series "Celebrity Big Brother," which premiered Monday, Aug. 18.
The 59-year-old actor, who became popular by playing the role of the sexually ambiguous Beverley Leslie in the hit NBC sitcom "Will & Grace," was supposed to appear in the fourth installment of the FX's horror anthology series in a four-episode story arc, Digital Spy reported.
But since he signed a contract with "Celebrity Big Brother" four months ago, according to RumorFix, he had no choice but to pick the reality show over the mini-series.
The Primetime Emmy-winning actor, played Quentin Fleming in three episodes of the "American Horror Story: Coven." Quentin was a member of the Witches' Council, who was called in to investigate Jessica Lange's Fiona, after it was suspected that she was trying to murder younger witches to remain as the Supreme. During his last appearance last season, Frances Conroy's Myrtle, killed him and scooped out his eye so that Sarah Paulson's Cordelia could regain her eye sight.
Though the character that Jordan was supposed to portray in the new season is still under wraps, co-creator Ryan Murphy reportedly wrote the part specifically for him.
"I am a huge fan of yours Leslie, I understand the timing was off on this one, but I will always write you into future projects," read Murphy's note obtained by Digital Spy.
"When I read that note, I almost s**t and fell back in it," Jordan joked.
Speaking inside Big Brother's house Tuesday, Aug.19, Jordan revealed that FX executives wanted him to film the horror series from Aug. 14 to Sept. 16, but because of his commitment to "Celebrity Big Brother," he had to pull out from the show, according to Unreality TV.
The upcoming Season 4 of the series is set in Jupiter, Fla. and centers on the last freak show in America circa 1952. Returning stars include Lange, Conroy, Paulson, Kathy Bates, Angela Bassett, Emma Roberts, Gabourey Sidibe and Evan Peters, among others.
Lange will play the lead role, a German expat who manages the freak show. Paulson, on the other hand, will portray a two-headed woman named Bette and Dot.
The new season is set to premiere in October.