Queer Eye series 1 fan-favourite Tom Jackson dies aged 63 as Fab Five pay tribute

Virgin Radio

9 Mar 2023, 11:50

Queer Eye’s Fab Five have shared their tributes to charismatic first series ‘hero’ Tom Jackson, who has passed away aged 63. 

Tom appeared in the debut episode of the Netflix Queer Eye reboot back in 2018, and viewers fell in love with his sweet demeanour and infectious attitude. His episode was called ‘You Can’t Fix Ugly’, and the team were tasked with getting Tom's confidence back after struggling with his Lupus diagnosis.

Announcing the sad news on social media, the official Queer Eye account shared a smiling picture of Tom with fashion expert Tan France, and wrote: “It’s with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to a member of our Queer Eye family. Rest in peace, Tom Jackson.”

According to Tom’s obituary, he died on 3rd March from metastatic adenocarcinoma, which is a type of cancer that appears in gland tissue.

Paying tribute to Tom, Tan responded to the Instagram post saying: “Such incredibly sad news.”

Meanwhile, hair stylist Jonathan Van Ness commented: “RIP Tom” with the heart emoji, while interiors specialist Bobby Burk added: “RIP Tom. 😢 Having a Redneck Margarita in your honor.”

In Tom’s obituary, it said the retired Fed Ex worker loved “being a Papaw to his two grandsons, who were his pride and joy.”

Another one of his greatest accomplishments was being on Queer Eye, as the obituary continued: “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!”

On his episode, the Fab Five, including Antoni Porowski and Karamo Brown, helped Tom get ready for a date with his ex-wife, Abby, with the two meeting at a car show at the end of the five days. 

After the episode aired, Tom and Abby ended up getting remarried shortly after, but decided to split again a year later. 

As listed in his obituary, Tom is survived by “his daughter, Katie (R.J.) Phelps, two cherished grandsons, Chandler and Watson Phelps, sisters, Kozetta (Jeff) Stewart and Jackie Lynn Childers of Kentucky, as well as a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.”

Instead of flowers, Tom’s family requested for people to “please watch season 1, episode 1 of Queer Eye on Netflix and tell others about it in honor of Tom.”