Photo: Lisa Rose/FOX
Call MeKathas set the date forLeslie Jordan’s last episode after the star’sunexpected deathon Oct. 24.
Though Jordan’s character Phil will no longer physically appear on screen after “Call Me Fancy Puffenstuff” airs on Dec. 1, Jordan’s character will continue to have a place on the series — in fact, the Fox sitcom will pay special tribute with a poignant guest appearance.
“Leslie’s death absolutely affected the storylines,” series executive producer Maria Ferrari told Deadline. “We can exclusively confirm thatPhil’s mother will be featuredin an episode that we’re shooting right now. We cast Leslie’s friendVicki Lawrencein the role.”
Lisa Rose/FOX
Lawrence, who starred alongside Jordan in Fox’sThe Cool Kids,will play a “no-nonsense woman who fills in as the cafe’s baker while he’s on vacation,” per Deadline.
Executive producer Jim Patterson told the outlet, “The first person we thought of to play his mom — who is a character in and of herself— was Vicki Lawrence.”
He continued, “They had thatCool Kidsconnection and she’s amazing and so funny. We mentioned it and, God bless her, she didn’t hesitate; she said yes right away. We know the spirit of Phil will certainly be with her. It’s going to be fun to have that character doing some of the same in-jokes we did when Phil was there.”
Elisabeth Caren/FOX
Jordan died in an October car accident, apparently triggered after the actor experienced a sudden medical emergency, though his cause of death has not officially been declared.
Call Me Katpaused productionimmediately after his passing to allow the cast and crew time to grieve.
FOX Entertainment called Jordan"the kindest person you could ever imagine"in a statement toEntertainment Weeklyat the time.
“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.”
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Call Me Katairs new episodes Thursday nights at 9:30 p.m. ET on Fox.
source: people.com
