Mayim Bialik isn’t prepared to watch co-actor Leslie Jordan’s last episode on Call Me Kat yet.
After the show’s season 3, episode 8 premiere on Thursday, Bialik recounted the “incredibly special” moment with the cast and crew. She noted that it was Jordan’s final episode on the series after his death on October 24 at 67.
“We didn’t know at the time that that was Leslie’s last episode,” Bialik said in a video on TikTok. She continued that she “couldn’t bring myself to watch it.”
Eventually, she adds: “I’m not ready. That week was so incredibly special because of our dialogue coach directing for the first time. And just how much fun we had.”
Bialik stars in the sitcom as the female lead Kat. The main character uses all her savings to launch a cat café in Louisville, Ky. Meanwhile, Jordan portrayed Phil – a just-got-single guy who serves as the head baker of the café.
So, the most recent episode chronicled the character’s dinner celebration of Friendsgiving with a murder-mystery theme. Additionally, Phil and his newest lover Jalen (John Griffin), secured their relationship with a kiss.
To note: The episode saw the first time Jordan had an on-screen kiss.
“He and John Griffin, who played his boyfriend on the show, were very specific about their appreciation for our writers’ sensitivities in writing a gay couple that was navigating the newness of living a truly authentic life,” Bialik said.
“It was a very important episode for Leslie in particular.”
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Bialik Not Ready
Furthermore, the actress wanted to discuss the forthcoming Christmas/Hanukkah episode more. It is scheduled to hit the screen on December 8. Unfortunately, while they were shooting the particular episode, Jordan died.
“But for now, I just want to say that for those of you who watched and appreciated Leslie’s final episode, we thank you. It was very, very special to us for so many reasons,” Bialik stated.
“In the coming weeks, you’ll be hearing more about what we decided to do with Leslie’s character.”
Previously, Maria Ferrari – executive producer – revealed that Jordan’s passing “absolutely affected the storylines. Additionally, the production cast Vicki Lawrence as Phil’s mother for a forthcoming episode. Notably, Lawrence starred alongside Jordan in the 2018 sitcom The Cool Kids.
“We felt, and the cast, in particular, felt strongly that even though Leslie isn’t with us anymore, they would like Phil to find his happy ending,” Ferrari said in an interview with Deadline.
Producer Jim Patterson added: “Just for now, we can say that on the show, Phil will live on forever. And live his best, happiest life.”
Jordan passed after he underwent a medical emergency while driving a car and ultimately crashed it into the side of a building in Los Angeles. Furthermore, the comedian portrayed roles in Will & Grace, American Horror Story, Sordid Lives, The Help, and many more.
The award-winning comedian started his career in 1986. He starred as Malone in the show The Fall Guy. His popularity rapidly grew as people identified him for his diminutive size and Southern drawl.
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Photo: Forward
