Will Jordan

Will Jordan was an American comedian and impressionist.

His best known impression was of newspaper columnist and variety show host Ed Sullivan. Jordan came up with several exaggerated physical mannerisms, and catchphrases such as “really big shoo” (which Sullivan never actually said), in order to bring life to Sullivan’s awkward stage presence. Jordan performed the impression many times on Sullivan’s program, as well as numerous other variety shows in the 1950s and ’60s.

Jordan portrayed Sullivan in the films I Wanna Hold Your Hand (with Nancy Allen), The Buddy Holly Story (with Gary Busey), Elvis (with Kurt Russell), The Doors (with Val Kilmer), Mr. Saturday Night (with Billy Crystal), and Down with Love (with Renee Zellweger and Ewan MacGregor).

He also appeared as Sullivan in the music video for Billy Joel’s 1983 hit song, “Tell Her About It.”

Jordan impersonated Sullivan in the original Broadway production of Bye Bye Birdie in 1960-61, as well as the 2009-10 Broadway revival.

Jordan appeared in Woody Allen’s film Broadway Danny Rose as himself, one of several comedians reminiscing at the Carnegie Delicatessen about the titular character, a fictional small-time talent agent played by Allen.

Jordan died September 6, 2018, in Manhattan, New York. He was 91.