Queer Eye Star Tom Jackson Dead at 63

Tom Jackson, a beloved star of the hit Netflix series Queer Eye, has passed away at the age of 63. The news of his death was confirmed by the show's official Instagram account, where a tribute was posted in his honor.

“It’s with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to a member of our Queer Eye family. Rest in peace, Tom Jackson,” the account wrote. A collection of photos of Jackson on set with the Queer Eye cast accompanies the post.

According to an online obituary, he was born December 20, 1959, and worked for FedEx before he retired. He'd started working again even in retirement by driving a dump truck in Georgia

Jackson passed away on March 3, 2023, after losing his battle with metastatic adenocarcinoma, a form of cancer that attacks the body’s glandular tissue. He is survived by his daughter, Katie Phelps, two grandsons, Chandler and Watson Phelps, sisters Kozetta Stewart and Jackie Lynn Childers, and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

“Tom absolutely loved being a Papaw to his two grandsons who were his pride and joy,” the obituary said. “A highlight of Tom’s life was being cast on the Netflix show, Queer Eye. He enjoyed the notoriety and shared his experience with whoever would listen!”

Jackson appeared in the debut episode of Netflix’s 2018 Queer Eye reboot series, “You Can’t Fix Ugly.” Per NBC, the episode made Jackson a nationwide fan favorite and helped him to reconnect with his ex-wife, Abby Parr.

“We will never forget our beloved Tom. He brought joy, humor, persistence, and love to our family. He is special to us, and we look forward to seeing him again one day,” the obit shared.

“In lieu of flowers,” it added, “please watch season 1, episode 1 of Queer Eye on Netflix and tell others about it in honor of Tom.”