Leslie Nielsen: Difference between revisions
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'''Leslie William Nielsen''', <small>[[Order of Canada|OC]]</small> (11 February 1926{{spaced ndash}}28 November 2010) was a Canadian actor, comedian, and producer.<ref name="Record">{{cite news|title=Comedian returning home to host fundraiser|work=[[The Record (Sherbrooke)|The Record]]|url=http://www.royalcityrecord.com/issues05/063205/news/063205nn4.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060825082417/http://www.royalcityrecord.com/issues05/063205/news/063205nn4.html |archivedate=25 August 2006|date=16 June 2005|accessdate=23 February 2009}}</ref><ref>"I played a lot of leaders, autocratic sorts; perhaps it was my Canadian accent", he said." – http://topnews360.tmcnet.com/topics/associated-press/articles/2010/12/02/122613-naked-gun-airplane-actor-leslie-nielsen-dies.htm</ref> He appeared in more than 100 films and 150 television programs, portraying more than 220 characters.<ref name="Roles1500">{{cite news|last=Collins|first=Glenn|title=Mr. Nondescript Becomes a Star in 'Naked Gun'|work=[[The New York Times]]|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/12/21/movies/mr-nondescript-becomes-a-star-in-naked-gun.html|date=21 December 1988|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ue0qJ8Jw|archivedate=1 December 2010}}</ref> |
'''Leslie William Nielsen''', <small>[[Order of Canada|OC]]</small> (11 February 1926{{spaced ndash}}28 November 2010) was a Canadian actor, comedian, and producer.<ref name="Record">{{cite news|title=Comedian returning home to host fundraiser|work=[[The Record (Sherbrooke)|The Record]]|url=http://www.royalcityrecord.com/issues05/063205/news/063205nn4.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060825082417/http://www.royalcityrecord.com/issues05/063205/news/063205nn4.html |archivedate=25 August 2006|date=16 June 2005|accessdate=23 February 2009}}</ref><ref>"I played a lot of leaders, autocratic sorts; perhaps it was my Canadian accent", he said." – http://topnews360.tmcnet.com/topics/associated-press/articles/2010/12/02/122613-naked-gun-airplane-actor-leslie-nielsen-dies.htm</ref> He appeared in more than 100 films and 150 television programs, portraying more than 220 characters.<ref name="Roles1500">{{cite news|last=Collins |first=Glenn |title=Mr. Nondescript Becomes a Star in 'Naked Gun' |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/12/21/movies/mr-nondescript-becomes-a-star-in-naked-gun.html |date=21 December 1988 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ue0qJ8Jw?url=http://www.nytimes.com/1988/12/21/movies/mr-nondescript-becomes-a-star-in-naked-gun.html |archivedate= 1 December 2010 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> |
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Nielsen was born in [[Regina, Saskatchewan]]. He enlisted in the [[Royal Canadian Air Force]] and later worked as a disc jockey before receiving a scholarship to study theatre at the [[Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre|Neighborhood Playhouse]]. Making his acting debut in 1950, appearing in 46 live television programs a year. Nielsen made his film debut in 1956, with supporting roles in several drama, western, and romance films produced between the 1950s and the 1970s. |
Nielsen was born in [[Regina, Saskatchewan]]. He enlisted in the [[Royal Canadian Air Force]] and later worked as a disc jockey before receiving a scholarship to study theatre at the [[Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre|Neighborhood Playhouse]]. Making his acting debut in 1950, appearing in 46 live television programs a year. Nielsen made his film debut in 1956, with supporting roles in several drama, western, and romance films produced between the 1950s and the 1970s. |
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Although his performances in the films ''[[Forbidden Planet]]'' and ''[[The Poseidon Adventure (1972 film)|The Poseidon Adventure]]'' gave him standing as a serious actor, Nielsen later gained enduring recognition for his deadpan comedy roles during the 1980s, after being cast against type for the [[Zucker, Abrahams and Zucker]] comedy film ''[[Airplane!]]''. In his routines, Nielsen specialized in his portrayal of characters oblivious to and complicit in their absurd surroundings, which gave him a reputation as a comedian.<ref name="NYT">{{cite news|last=Maslin|first=Janet|title=Review/Film; A Fall Guy as Antihero|work=The New York Times|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=940DE3DE153DF931A35751C1A96E948260|date=2 December 1988|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ue0vHQMY|archivedate=1 December 2010}}</ref> ''Airplane!'' marked Nielsen's turning point, which made him "the [[Laurence Olivier|Olivier]] of spoofs" according to film critic [[Roger Ebert]];<ref name="Ebert">{{cite news|last=Ebert|first=Roger|authorlink=Roger Ebert|title=Scary Movie 3|work=[[Chicago Sun-Times]]|url=http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20031024/REVIEWS/310240305/1023|date=24 October 2003|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ue0sIuNQ|archivedate=1 December 2010}}</ref> his work on the film also led to further success in the genre with [[The Naked Gun|''The Naked Gun'' film series]], which are based on their earlier short-lived television series ''[[Police Squad!]]'', in which he also starred. Nielsen received a variety of awards and was inducted into the [[Canada's Walk of Fame|Canada]] and [[Hollywood Walk of Fame|Hollywood]] Walks of Fame. |
Although his performances in the films ''[[Forbidden Planet]]'' and ''[[The Poseidon Adventure (1972 film)|The Poseidon Adventure]]'' gave him standing as a serious actor, Nielsen later gained enduring recognition for his deadpan comedy roles during the 1980s, after being cast against type for the [[Zucker, Abrahams and Zucker]] comedy film ''[[Airplane!]]''. In his routines, Nielsen specialized in his portrayal of characters oblivious to and complicit in their absurd surroundings, which gave him a reputation as a comedian.<ref name="NYT">{{cite news|last=Maslin |first=Janet |title=Review/Film; A Fall Guy as Antihero |work=The New York Times |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=940DE3DE153DF931A35751C1A96E948260 |date=2 December 1988 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ue0vHQMY?url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=940DE3DE153DF931A35751C1A96E948260 |archivedate= 1 December 2010 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> ''Airplane!'' marked Nielsen's turning point, which made him "the [[Laurence Olivier|Olivier]] of spoofs" according to film critic [[Roger Ebert]];<ref name="Ebert">{{cite news|last=Ebert |first=Roger |authorlink=Roger Ebert |title=Scary Movie 3 |work=[[Chicago Sun-Times]] |url=http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20031024/REVIEWS/310240305/1023 |date=24 October 2003 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ue0sIuNQ?url=http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20031024%2FREVIEWS%2F310240305%2F1023 |archivedate= 1 December 2010 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> his work on the film also led to further success in the genre with [[The Naked Gun|''The Naked Gun'' film series]], which are based on their earlier short-lived television series ''[[Police Squad!]]'', in which he also starred. Nielsen received a variety of awards and was inducted into the [[Canada's Walk of Fame|Canada]] and [[Hollywood Walk of Fame|Hollywood]] Walks of Fame. |
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==Early life== |
==Early life== |
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Leslie William Nielsen was born on 11 February 1926 in [[Regina, Saskatchewan]].<ref name="ComedyCloset">{{cite news|last=Ross|first=Bob|title=Worth the Rent|work=[[The Tampa Tribune]]|date=24 May 1996|url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/tampatribune/access/38300832.html?dids=38300832:38300832&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=May+24%2C+1996&author=Bob+Ross&pub=Tampa+Tribune&desc=WORTH+THE+RENT&pqatl=google|format=Fee required|accessdate=28 November 2010}}</ref> His mother, Mabel Elizabeth (née Davies), was a British immigrant from [[Wales]], and his father, Ingvard Eversen Nielsen, was a [[Danish Canadians|Danish]]-born constable in the [[Royal Canadian Mounted Police]].<ref name=eofy>{{Cite book|last=Simpson|first=Kieran|title=Canadian Who's Who, Volume 15|publisher=University of Toronto Press|year=1980|location=|pages=|isbn=0-8020-4579-0}}</ref><ref name="CanadianWho">{{cite book|title=Canadian Who's Who 2003, Volume 38|author=Lumley, Elizabeth|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aNuphN-Vh_oC&lpg=PA1013&ots=AJTSeqBeRs&dq=Ingvard%20and%20Maybelle%20Nielsen&pg=PA1013#v=onepage&q=&f=false|publisher=University of Toronto Press|year=2003|isbn=0-8020-8865-1|page=1,103}}</ref><ref name="DanWal">{{cite news|title=Leslie Nielsen, the comic with the Danish roots: "Comedy is what endures"|work=Scandinavian Press|url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=494375361&sid=3&Fmt=3&clientId=17862&RQT=309&VName=PQD|date=31 March 1997|volume=4|issue=1|registration=yes|id= Proquest Document ID: 494375361|accessdate=16 December 2009}}</ref> Nielsen had two brothers; the elder, [[Erik Nielsen]] (1924–2008), was a long-time Canadian Member of Parliament, cabinet minister and [[Deputy Prime Minister of Canada]] from 1984 to 1986.<ref>{{cite news|title=Erik Nielsen dies at B.C. at 84|url=http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080905.wobitnielsen0905/BNStory/National/home|date=5 September 2008|work=[[The Globe and Mail]]|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ue10NK1X|archivedate=1 December 2010|location=Toronto}}</ref> |
Leslie William Nielsen was born on 11 February 1926 in [[Regina, Saskatchewan]].<ref name="ComedyCloset">{{cite news|last=Ross|first=Bob|title=Worth the Rent|work=[[The Tampa Tribune]]|date=24 May 1996|url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/tampatribune/access/38300832.html?dids=38300832:38300832&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=May+24%2C+1996&author=Bob+Ross&pub=Tampa+Tribune&desc=WORTH+THE+RENT&pqatl=google|format=Fee required|accessdate=28 November 2010}}</ref> His mother, Mabel Elizabeth (née Davies), was a British immigrant from [[Wales]], and his father, Ingvard Eversen Nielsen, was a [[Danish Canadians|Danish]]-born constable in the [[Royal Canadian Mounted Police]].<ref name=eofy>{{Cite book|last=Simpson|first=Kieran|title=Canadian Who's Who, Volume 15|publisher=University of Toronto Press|year=1980|location=|pages=|isbn=0-8020-4579-0}}</ref><ref name="CanadianWho">{{cite book|title=Canadian Who's Who 2003, Volume 38|author=Lumley, Elizabeth|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aNuphN-Vh_oC&lpg=PA1013&ots=AJTSeqBeRs&dq=Ingvard%20and%20Maybelle%20Nielsen&pg=PA1013#v=onepage&q=&f=false|publisher=University of Toronto Press|year=2003|isbn=0-8020-8865-1|page=1,103}}</ref><ref name="DanWal">{{cite news|title=Leslie Nielsen, the comic with the Danish roots: "Comedy is what endures"|work=Scandinavian Press|url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=494375361&sid=3&Fmt=3&clientId=17862&RQT=309&VName=PQD|date=31 March 1997|volume=4|issue=1|registration=yes|id= Proquest Document ID: 494375361|accessdate=16 December 2009}}</ref> Nielsen had two brothers; the elder, [[Erik Nielsen]] (1924–2008), was a long-time Canadian Member of Parliament, cabinet minister and [[Deputy Prime Minister of Canada]] from 1984 to 1986.<ref>{{cite news|title=Erik Nielsen dies at B.C. at 84 |url=http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080905.wobitnielsen0905/BNStory/National/home |date=5 September 2008 |work=[[The Globe and Mail]] |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ue10NK1X?url=http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/article707221.ece |archivedate= 1 December 2010 |location=Toronto |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> |
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[[File:HersholtBrotherswife.jpg|left|thumb|Nielsen's half-uncle [[Jean Hersholt]] (pictured here in the 1936 film ''His Brother's Wife'') inspired him to become an actor.]] |
[[File:HersholtBrotherswife.jpg|left|thumb|Nielsen's half-uncle [[Jean Hersholt]] (pictured here in the 1936 film ''His Brother's Wife'') inspired him to become an actor.]] |
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Nielsen's half-uncle [[Jean Hersholt]] was an actor known for his portrayal of [[Dr. Christian]] in a radio series of that name, and the subsequent television series and films.<ref name="nielsen1994"/><ref name=ote>{{Cite book|last=Nielsen|first=Leslie|author2=David Fisher |title=Leslie Nielsen the naked truth|publisher=Pocket Books|year=1994|page=289|url=|isbn=0-671-79578-3}}</ref> In a 1994 ''[[The Boston Globe|Boston Globe]]'' article, Nielsen explained, "I did learn very early that when I would mention my uncle, people would look at me as if I were the biggest liar in the world. Then I would take them home and show them 8-by-10 glossies, and things changed quite drastically. So I began to think that maybe this acting business was not a bad idea, much as I was very shy about it and certainly without courage regarding it. My uncle died not too long after I was in a position to know him. I regret that I had not a chance to know him better."<ref name="nielsen1994"/> |
Nielsen's half-uncle [[Jean Hersholt]] was an actor known for his portrayal of [[Dr. Christian]] in a radio series of that name, and the subsequent television series and films.<ref name="nielsen1994"/><ref name=ote>{{Cite book|last=Nielsen|first=Leslie|author2=David Fisher |title=Leslie Nielsen the naked truth|publisher=Pocket Books|year=1994|page=289|url=|isbn=0-671-79578-3}}</ref> In a 1994 ''[[The Boston Globe|Boston Globe]]'' article, Nielsen explained, "I did learn very early that when I would mention my uncle, people would look at me as if I were the biggest liar in the world. Then I would take them home and show them 8-by-10 glossies, and things changed quite drastically. So I began to think that maybe this acting business was not a bad idea, much as I was very shy about it and certainly without courage regarding it. My uncle died not too long after I was in a position to know him. I regret that I had not a chance to know him better."<ref name="nielsen1994"/> |
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Nielsen lived for several years in [[Tulita|Fort Norman]] (now Tulita) in the [[Northwest Territories]] where his father was with the [[Royal Canadian Mounted Police]].<ref name="nielsen1994">{{cite news|last=Carr|first=Jay|title=If Leslie Nielsen has learned anything, it's how to play slapstick with a ... straight face|url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/boston/access/61932233.html?dids=61932233:61932233&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Mar+13%2C+1994&author=Jay+Carr%2C+Globe+Staff&pub=Boston+Globe+%28pre-1997+Fulltext%29&desc=If+Leslie+Nielsen+has+learned+anything%2C+it%27s+how+to+play+slapstick+with+a.+.+.+straight+face&pqatl=google|format=Fee required|work=The Boston Globe|date=13 March 1994|accessdate=1 December 2010}}</ref><ref name="PlayingDefense">{{cite news|title=Playing Defense Funny Man Turns Serious with One-man Darrow Show|work=Chicago Tribune|date=30 January 2000|url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/48598094.html?dids=48598094:48598094&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Jan+30%2C+2000&author=Judy+Hevrdejs+Contributing%3A+Kaarin+Tisue%2C+Gary+Dretzka&pub=Chicago+Tribune&desc=PLAYING+DEFENSE+FUNNY+MAN+TURNS+SERIOUS+WITH+ONE-MAN+DARROW+SHOW&pqatl=google|format=Fee required|accessdate=1 December 2010}}</ref> His father was an abusive man who beat his wife and sons, and Leslie longed to escape. When he graduated from high school at 17, he joined the [[Royal Canadian Air Force]] even though he was legally deaf (he wore hearing aids most of his life).<ref>[http://greencardguide.info/2010/12/01/naked-gun-airplane-actor-leslie-nielsen-dies Biodata about Nielsen's abusive father]</ref><ref name="Shirley">{{cite news|agency=[[Associated Press]]|title=Leslie Nielsen, RIP. "And don't call me Shirley"|work=[[Chicago Sun-Times]]|date=29 November 2010|url=http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/people/leslie-nielsen-rip-and-dont-ca.html|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ue1DBA3P|archivedate=1 December 2010}}</ref> Following graduation from [[Victoria School of Performing and Visual Arts]] in [[Edmonton]], Nielsen enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force and trained as an aerial gunner during World War II. He was too young to be fully trained or sent overseas.<ref name="NoJokeDrama">{{cite news|agency=[[Reuters]]|title=No Joke! Nielsen in Drama|work=[[Rocky Mountain News]]|date=14 June 1996|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-67786375.html|registration=yes|accessdate=1 December 2010}}</ref> He worked briefly as a disc jockey at a Calgary, Alberta, radio station, before enrolling at the [[Lorne Greene]] Academy of Radio Arts in Toronto.<ref name="nielsen1994"/><ref name="NoSeriouslyNobody">{{cite news|last=Churchill|first=Bonnie|title=Leslie Nielsen Doesn't Take Himself Seriously, Nor Does Anyone Else|work=[[St. Louis Post-Dispatch]]|date=20 December 1997|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SL&p_theme=sl&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB050AC86F77B7D&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|format=Fee required|accessdate=1 December 2010}}</ref> While studying in Toronto, Nielsen received a scholarship to the [[Neighborhood Playhouse]]. He noted, "I couldn't refuse, but I must say when you come from the land of the snow goose, the moose and wool to New York, you're bringing every ton of hayseed and country bumpkin that you packed. As long as I didn't open my mouth, I felt a certain security. But I always thought I was going to be unmasked: 'OK, pack your stuff.' 'Well, what's the matter?' 'We've discovered you have no talent; we're shipping you back to Canada.{{' "}}<ref name="nielsen1994"/> He moved to New York City for his scholarship,<ref name="ComedyCloset"/> studying theatre and music at the Neighborhood Playhouse, while performing in [[summer stock theatre]].<ref>{{cite news|title=These New Faces Will Go Places in 1957!|work=[[Chicago Tribune]]|author=Hopper, Hedda|date=6 January 1957|page=H16}}</ref> Afterward, he attended the [[Actors Studio]],<ref name="starsatwar">{{cite book|title=International Stars at War|first1=James E. Jr.|last1=Wise|author1-link=James E. Wise, Jr.|first2=Scott|last2=Baron|author2-link=Scott Baron|location=Annapolis, Maryland|publisher=Naval Institute Press|year=2002|isbn=1-55750-965-4|page=221}}</ref> until his first television appearance in 1950 on an episode of ''[[Westinghouse Studio One|Studio One]]'', alongside [[Charlton Heston]],<ref name="ShyAct">{{cite news|last=Arnold|first=William|url=http://www.seattlepi.com/archives/1988/8802020770.asp|title=Shy actor loves his life as a comic|work=[[Seattle Post-Intelligencer]]|date=6 December 1988|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ue1WOp7h|archivedate=1 December 2010}}</ref> for which he was paid $75.<ref name="nielsen1994"/> |
Nielsen lived for several years in [[Tulita|Fort Norman]] (now Tulita) in the [[Northwest Territories]] where his father was with the [[Royal Canadian Mounted Police]].<ref name="nielsen1994">{{cite news|last=Carr|first=Jay|title=If Leslie Nielsen has learned anything, it's how to play slapstick with a ... straight face|url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/boston/access/61932233.html?dids=61932233:61932233&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Mar+13%2C+1994&author=Jay+Carr%2C+Globe+Staff&pub=Boston+Globe+%28pre-1997+Fulltext%29&desc=If+Leslie+Nielsen+has+learned+anything%2C+it%27s+how+to+play+slapstick+with+a.+.+.+straight+face&pqatl=google|format=Fee required|work=The Boston Globe|date=13 March 1994|accessdate=1 December 2010}}</ref><ref name="PlayingDefense">{{cite news|title=Playing Defense Funny Man Turns Serious with One-man Darrow Show|work=Chicago Tribune|date=30 January 2000|url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/48598094.html?dids=48598094:48598094&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Jan+30%2C+2000&author=Judy+Hevrdejs+Contributing%3A+Kaarin+Tisue%2C+Gary+Dretzka&pub=Chicago+Tribune&desc=PLAYING+DEFENSE+FUNNY+MAN+TURNS+SERIOUS+WITH+ONE-MAN+DARROW+SHOW&pqatl=google|format=Fee required|accessdate=1 December 2010}}</ref> His father was an abusive man who beat his wife and sons, and Leslie longed to escape. When he graduated from high school at 17, he joined the [[Royal Canadian Air Force]] even though he was legally deaf (he wore hearing aids most of his life).<ref>[http://greencardguide.info/2010/12/01/naked-gun-airplane-actor-leslie-nielsen-dies Biodata about Nielsen's abusive father]</ref><ref name="Shirley">{{cite news|agency=[[Associated Press]] |title=Leslie Nielsen, RIP. "And don't call me Shirley" |work=[[Chicago Sun-Times]] |date=29 November 2010 |url=http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/people/leslie-nielsen-rip-and-dont-ca.html |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ue1DBA3P?url=http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/people/leslie-nielsen-rip-and-dont-ca.html |archivedate= 1 December 2010 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> Following graduation from [[Victoria School of Performing and Visual Arts]] in [[Edmonton]], Nielsen enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force and trained as an aerial gunner during World War II. He was too young to be fully trained or sent overseas.<ref name="NoJokeDrama">{{cite news|agency=[[Reuters]]|title=No Joke! Nielsen in Drama|work=[[Rocky Mountain News]]|date=14 June 1996|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-67786375.html|registration=yes|accessdate=1 December 2010}}</ref> He worked briefly as a disc jockey at a Calgary, Alberta, radio station, before enrolling at the [[Lorne Greene]] Academy of Radio Arts in Toronto.<ref name="nielsen1994"/><ref name="NoSeriouslyNobody">{{cite news|last=Churchill|first=Bonnie|title=Leslie Nielsen Doesn't Take Himself Seriously, Nor Does Anyone Else|work=[[St. Louis Post-Dispatch]]|date=20 December 1997|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SL&p_theme=sl&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB050AC86F77B7D&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|format=Fee required|accessdate=1 December 2010}}</ref> While studying in Toronto, Nielsen received a scholarship to the [[Neighborhood Playhouse]]. He noted, "I couldn't refuse, but I must say when you come from the land of the snow goose, the moose and wool to New York, you're bringing every ton of hayseed and country bumpkin that you packed. As long as I didn't open my mouth, I felt a certain security. But I always thought I was going to be unmasked: 'OK, pack your stuff.' 'Well, what's the matter?' 'We've discovered you have no talent; we're shipping you back to Canada.{{' "}}<ref name="nielsen1994"/> He moved to New York City for his scholarship,<ref name="ComedyCloset"/> studying theatre and music at the Neighborhood Playhouse, while performing in [[summer stock theatre]].<ref>{{cite news|title=These New Faces Will Go Places in 1957!|work=[[Chicago Tribune]]|author=Hopper, Hedda|date=6 January 1957|page=H16}}</ref> Afterward, he attended the [[Actors Studio]],<ref name="starsatwar">{{cite book|title=International Stars at War|first1=James E. Jr.|last1=Wise|author1-link=James E. Wise, Jr.|first2=Scott|last2=Baron|author2-link=Scott Baron|location=Annapolis, Maryland|publisher=Naval Institute Press|year=2002|isbn=1-55750-965-4|page=221}}</ref> until his first television appearance in 1950 on an episode of ''[[Westinghouse Studio One|Studio One]]'', alongside [[Charlton Heston]],<ref name="ShyAct">{{cite news|last=Arnold |first=William |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/archives/1988/8802020770.asp |title=Shy actor loves his life as a comic |work=[[Seattle Post-Intelligencer]] |date=6 December 1988 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ue1WOp7h?url=http://www.seattlepi.com/archives/1988/8802020770.asp |archivedate= 1 December 2010 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> for which he was paid $75.<ref name="nielsen1994"/> |
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==Career== |
==Career== |
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===Early career=== |
===Early career=== |
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{{quote box|align=left|quote="It was a strange era, the tail end of the golden age. A time when the Tiffany's of filmmakers was burying its head in the sand and trying to pretend that this new medium (television) was not happening."|width=30em|source=Nielsen reflecting on the era when he started acting.<ref name="ShyAct"/>}} |
{{quote box|align=left|quote="It was a strange era, the tail end of the golden age. A time when the Tiffany's of filmmakers was burying its head in the sand and trying to pretend that this new medium (television) was not happening."|width=30em|source=Nielsen reflecting on the era when he started acting.<ref name="ShyAct"/>}} |
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Nielsen's career began in dramatic roles on television during "[[Golden Age of Television|Television's Golden Age]]",<ref>{{cite news|last=Terry|first=Clifford|title=Gunning for a Laugh|url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1991-07-07/features/9101240994_1_drebin-police-squad-leslie-nielsen|date=7 July 1991|work=[[South Florida Sun-Sentinel|Sun-Sentinel]]|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ue1ptsdL|archivedate=1 December 2010}}</ref> appearing in 46 live programs in 1950 alone.<ref name="CBS"/> He said there "was very little gold, we only got $75 or $100 per show."<ref name="CBS">{{cite web|title=Leslie Nielsen|work=CBS|url=http://www.cbs.com/primetime/game_show_marathon/bios/leslie_bio.shtml|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ue1sETG0|archivedate=1 December 2010}}</ref> He narrated documentaries and commercials and most of his early work as a dramatic actor was uneventful.<ref name="AMG"/> Hal Erickson of [[AllRovi#History|Allmovie]] noted that "much of Nielsen's early work was undistinguished; he was merely a handsome leading man in an industry overstocked with handsome leading men."<ref name="AMG">{{cite web|last=Erickson|first=Hal|title=Biography|publisher=[[AllRovi#History|Allmovie]]|url=http://www.allmovie.com/cg/avg.dll?p=avg&sql=2:52664~T1|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ue1vTzka|archivedate=1 December 2010}}</ref> In 1956 he made his feature film debut in the [[Michael Curtiz]]-directed musical film ''[[The Vagabond King (1956 film)|The Vagabond King]]''.<ref>{{cite news|last=Thomas|first=Bob|title=Nielsen is Serious About Comic Side|work=[[Times Union (Albany)|The Times Union]]|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-156673536.html|registration=yes|date=9 September 1993|accessdate=1 December 2010}}</ref> In the ''[[Seattle Post-Intelligencer]]'', Nielsen remembered Curtiz as "a sadist, a charming sadist, but a sadist".<ref name="ShyAct"/> Nielsen called this film "The Vagabond Turkey".<ref>{{cite news|first=Andrew|last=Dalton|first2=Bob|last2=Thomas|url=http://www.boston.com/ae/celebrity/articles/2010/11/29/leslie_nielsen_84_versatile_actors_career_took_off_with_comedies/?p1=News_links |title=Leslie Nielsen, 84; versatile actor's career took off with comedies|work=The Boston Globe|date=29 November 2010|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ue251Z2N |archivedate=1 December 2010}}</ref> Though the film was not a success, producer [[Nicholas Nayfack]] offered him an audition for the science fiction film ''[[Forbidden Planet]]'', resulting in Nielsen's taking a long contract with [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer]] (MGM).<ref name="ShyAct"/><ref>{{cite news|last=Thomas|first=Bob|title=The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear – Funnyman Nielsen Used to be Serious|work=[[The Cincinnati Post]]|date=28 June 1991|page=1C}}</ref> |
Nielsen's career began in dramatic roles on television during "[[Golden Age of Television|Television's Golden Age]]",<ref>{{cite news|last=Terry |first=Clifford |title=Gunning for a Laugh |url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1991-07-07/features/9101240994_1_drebin-police-squad-leslie-nielsen |date=7 July 1991 |work=[[South Florida Sun-Sentinel|Sun-Sentinel]] |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ue1ptsdL?url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1991-07-07/features/9101240994_1_drebin-police-squad-leslie-nielsen |archivedate= 1 December 2010 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> appearing in 46 live programs in 1950 alone.<ref name="CBS"/> He said there "was very little gold, we only got $75 or $100 per show."<ref name="CBS">{{cite web|title=Leslie Nielsen |work=CBS |url=http://www.cbs.com/primetime/game_show_marathon/bios/leslie_bio.shtml |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ue1sETG0?url=http://www.cbs.com/primetime/game_show_marathon/bios/leslie_bio.shtml |archivedate= 1 December 2010 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> He narrated documentaries and commercials and most of his early work as a dramatic actor was uneventful.<ref name="AMG"/> Hal Erickson of [[AllRovi#History|Allmovie]] noted that "much of Nielsen's early work was undistinguished; he was merely a handsome leading man in an industry overstocked with handsome leading men."<ref name="AMG">{{cite web|last=Erickson |first=Hal |title=Biography |publisher=[[AllRovi#History|Allmovie]] |url=http://www.allmovie.com/cg/avg.dll?p=avg&sql=2:52664~T1 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ue1vTzka?url=http://www.allmovie.com/artist/52664 |archivedate= 1 December 2010 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> In 1956 he made his feature film debut in the [[Michael Curtiz]]-directed musical film ''[[The Vagabond King (1956 film)|The Vagabond King]]''.<ref>{{cite news|last=Thomas|first=Bob|title=Nielsen is Serious About Comic Side|work=[[Times Union (Albany)|The Times Union]]|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-156673536.html|registration=yes|date=9 September 1993|accessdate=1 December 2010}}</ref> In the ''[[Seattle Post-Intelligencer]]'', Nielsen remembered Curtiz as "a sadist, a charming sadist, but a sadist".<ref name="ShyAct"/> Nielsen called this film "The Vagabond Turkey".<ref>{{cite news|first=Andrew |last=Dalton |first2=Bob |last2=Thomas |url=http://www.boston.com/ae/celebrity/articles/2010/11/29/leslie_nielsen_84_versatile_actors_career_took_off_with_comedies/?p1=News_links |title=Leslie Nielsen, 84; versatile actor's career took off with comedies |work=The Boston Globe |date=29 November 2010 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ue251Z2N?url=http://www.boston.com/ae/celebrity/articles/2010/11/29/leslie_nielsen_84_versatile_actors_career_took_off_with_comedies/?p1=News_links |archivedate= 1 December 2010 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> Though the film was not a success, producer [[Nicholas Nayfack]] offered him an audition for the science fiction film ''[[Forbidden Planet]]'', resulting in Nielsen's taking a long contract with [[Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer]] (MGM).<ref name="ShyAct"/><ref>{{cite news|last=Thomas|first=Bob|title=The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear – Funnyman Nielsen Used to be Serious|work=[[The Cincinnati Post]]|date=28 June 1991|page=1C}}</ref> |
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[[File:ForbiddenPlanet1.jpg|thumb|250px|Nielsen, along with co-star [[Anne Francis]], in his second film, ''[[Forbidden Planet]]'' (1956). Nielsen: "Supposedly a science fiction version of [[William Shakespeare|Shakespeare]]'s ''[[The Tempest]]'', it was all about the [[Id, ego and super-ego|id]], or something like that. Who knows? The [[Trekkie]]s today regard it as the forerunner of ''[[Star Trek]]''. I just had to wear a tight uniform and make eyes at Anne Francis. I was pretty thin back then."<ref>{{cite news|last=Vincent|first=Mal|title=It's no Fun Playing it Straight|work=[[The Virginian-Pilot]]|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=VP&p_theme=vp&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EAFF73225441804&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|format=Fee required|date=18 March 1994|accessdate=1 December 2010}}</ref>]] |
[[File:ForbiddenPlanet1.jpg|thumb|250px|Nielsen, along with co-star [[Anne Francis]], in his second film, ''[[Forbidden Planet]]'' (1956). Nielsen: "Supposedly a science fiction version of [[William Shakespeare|Shakespeare]]'s ''[[The Tempest]]'', it was all about the [[Id, ego and super-ego|id]], or something like that. Who knows? The [[Trekkie]]s today regard it as the forerunner of ''[[Star Trek]]''. I just had to wear a tight uniform and make eyes at Anne Francis. I was pretty thin back then."<ref>{{cite news|last=Vincent|first=Mal|title=It's no Fun Playing it Straight|work=[[The Virginian-Pilot]]|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=VP&p_theme=vp&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EAFF73225441804&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|format=Fee required|date=18 March 1994|accessdate=1 December 2010}}</ref>]] |
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''Forbidden Planet'' became an instant success,<ref name="RTForbidden">{{cite web|title=Forbidden Planet (1956)|work=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]|url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/forbidden_planet/|accessdate=23 February 2009}}</ref> and roles in other MGM films such as ''[[Ransom!]]'' (1956), ''[[The Opposite Sex]]'' (1956) and ''[[Hot Summer Night (1957 film)|Hot Summer Night]]'' (1957) followed.<ref>{{cite news|title=From Drebin to Darrow|work=[[The Pantagraph]]|author=Craft, Dan|date=24 September 1999|page=D1}}</ref> In 1957 he won the lead role opposite [[Debbie Reynolds]] in the [[Romantic comedy film|romantic comedy]] ''[[Tammy and the Bachelor]]'', which, as a ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' critic wrote in 1998, made people consider Nielsen a dramatic actor and handsome romantic lead.<ref>{{cite news|title=Nielsen Still Kicking in `Wrongfully Accused'|work=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=24 August 1998|author=Petrakis, John|page=2}}</ref> However, dissatisfied with the films he was offered, calling the studios "a Tiffany, which had forgotten how to make silver", Nielsen left MGM after auditioning for Messala in the 1959 ''[[Ben-Hur (1959 film)|Ben-Hur]]''. [[Stephen Boyd]] got the role.<ref>{{cite news|title=Leslie Nielsen comes home for CBC's 50th – Veteran actor and comedian is the host of comedy special|work=[[Toronto Star]]|date=18 August 2002|author=Bawden, Jim|page=D3}}</ref><ref name="BenHur">{{cite news|last=Clark|first=Mike|title=New on DVD|work=[[USA Today]]|date=15 September 2005|url=http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/reviews/2005-09-15-new-on-dvd_x.htm|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ue2LTkQJ|archivedate=1 December 2010}}</ref> After leaving the studios, Nielsen landed the lead role in the [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]] miniseries ''[[The Swamp Fox (TV series)|The Swamp Fox]]'', as [[American Revolutionary War]] hero [[Francis Marion]].<ref name="SwampFox"/> In a 1988 interview he reflected on the series, saying, "That was a great experience, because the Disney people didn't do their shows like everyone else, knocking out an episode a week. ... We only had to do an episode a month, and the budgets were extremely high for TV at that time. We had location shooting rather than cheap studio backdrops, and very authentic costumes."<ref>{{cite news|title=Nielsen Makes the 'First String' in Films|work=[[The Post-Standard]]|date=12 December 1988|author=Brode, Doug|page=D10}}</ref> Eight episodes were produced and aired between 1959 and 1961.<ref name="SwampFox">{{cite news|title=Stargazing answers your questions; 'The Swamp Fox'; 'Silent Night, Lonely Night'|work=[[The Kansas City Star]]|date=9 December 2009|last=Wahl|first=Ken|page=D12}}</ref> |
''Forbidden Planet'' became an instant success,<ref name="RTForbidden">{{cite web|title=Forbidden Planet (1956)|work=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]|url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/forbidden_planet/|accessdate=23 February 2009}}</ref> and roles in other MGM films such as ''[[Ransom!]]'' (1956), ''[[The Opposite Sex]]'' (1956) and ''[[Hot Summer Night (1957 film)|Hot Summer Night]]'' (1957) followed.<ref>{{cite news|title=From Drebin to Darrow|work=[[The Pantagraph]]|author=Craft, Dan|date=24 September 1999|page=D1}}</ref> In 1957 he won the lead role opposite [[Debbie Reynolds]] in the [[Romantic comedy film|romantic comedy]] ''[[Tammy and the Bachelor]]'', which, as a ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' critic wrote in 1998, made people consider Nielsen a dramatic actor and handsome romantic lead.<ref>{{cite news|title=Nielsen Still Kicking in `Wrongfully Accused'|work=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=24 August 1998|author=Petrakis, John|page=2}}</ref> However, dissatisfied with the films he was offered, calling the studios "a Tiffany, which had forgotten how to make silver", Nielsen left MGM after auditioning for Messala in the 1959 ''[[Ben-Hur (1959 film)|Ben-Hur]]''. [[Stephen Boyd]] got the role.<ref>{{cite news|title=Leslie Nielsen comes home for CBC's 50th – Veteran actor and comedian is the host of comedy special|work=[[Toronto Star]]|date=18 August 2002|author=Bawden, Jim|page=D3}}</ref><ref name="BenHur">{{cite news|last=Clark |first=Mike |title=New on DVD |work=[[USA Today]] |date=15 September 2005 |url=http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/reviews/2005-09-15-new-on-dvd_x.htm |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ue2LTkQJ?url=http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/reviews/2005-09-15-new-on-dvd_x.htm |archivedate= 1 December 2010 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> After leaving the studios, Nielsen landed the lead role in the [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]] miniseries ''[[The Swamp Fox (TV series)|The Swamp Fox]]'', as [[American Revolutionary War]] hero [[Francis Marion]].<ref name="SwampFox"/> In a 1988 interview he reflected on the series, saying, "That was a great experience, because the Disney people didn't do their shows like everyone else, knocking out an episode a week. ... We only had to do an episode a month, and the budgets were extremely high for TV at that time. We had location shooting rather than cheap studio backdrops, and very authentic costumes."<ref>{{cite news|title=Nielsen Makes the 'First String' in Films|work=[[The Post-Standard]]|date=12 December 1988|author=Brode, Doug|page=D10}}</ref> Eight episodes were produced and aired between 1959 and 1961.<ref name="SwampFox">{{cite news|title=Stargazing answers your questions; 'The Swamp Fox'; 'Silent Night, Lonely Night'|work=[[The Kansas City Star]]|date=9 December 2009|last=Wahl|first=Ken|page=D12}}</ref> |
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His television appearances include ''[[Justice (1954 TV series)|Justice]]'', ''[[Alfred Hitchcock Presents]]'', ''[[Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea (TV series)|Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea]]'', ''[[The Virginian (TV series)|The Virginian]]'', and ''[[The Wild Wild West]]''. In 1961, he was the lead in a Los Angeles police drama called ''[[The New Breed (TV series)|The New Breed]]''. He guest-starred in a 1964 episode of ''[[Daniel Boone (1964 TV series)|Daniel Boone]]'' with [[Fess Parker]] in a minor but credited role. In 1968, he had a major role in the pilot for the police series ''[[Hawaii Five-O]]'', and appeared in one of the seventh-season episodes. In 1969, he had the leading role as a police officer in ''[[The Bold Ones: The Protectors]]''. |
His television appearances include ''[[Justice (1954 TV series)|Justice]]'', ''[[Alfred Hitchcock Presents]]'', ''[[Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea (TV series)|Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea]]'', ''[[The Virginian (TV series)|The Virginian]]'', and ''[[The Wild Wild West]]''. In 1961, he was the lead in a Los Angeles police drama called ''[[The New Breed (TV series)|The New Breed]]''. He guest-starred in a 1964 episode of ''[[Daniel Boone (1964 TV series)|Daniel Boone]]'' with [[Fess Parker]] in a minor but credited role. In 1968, he had a major role in the pilot for the police series ''[[Hawaii Five-O]]'', and appeared in one of the seventh-season episodes. In 1969, he had the leading role as a police officer in ''[[The Bold Ones: The Protectors]]''. |
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===''Airplane!'' and ''The Naked Gun''=== |
===''Airplane!'' and ''The Naked Gun''=== |
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{{Main article|Airplane!|The Naked Gun}} |
{{Main article|Airplane!|The Naked Gun}} |
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Nielsen's supporting role of Dr. Rumack in [[Zucker, Abrahams and Zucker]]'s 1980's ''[[Airplane!]]'' was a watershed in his career. The film, a parody of disaster films such as ''[[Zero Hour!]]'' and ''[[Airport (1970 film)|Airport]]'', was based on building a comedy around actors known for dramatic roles. Other stars included [[Robert Stack]], [[Peter Graves]], and [[Lloyd Bridges]]. Nielsen's deadpan delivery contrasted with the absurdity surrounding him. When asked, "Surely you can't be serious?", he responded with a curt, "I am serious. And don't call me Shirley." In several interviews he reflected on the line: "I thought it was amusing, but it never occurred to me that it was going to become a trademark. It's such a surprise ... the thing comes out, people say, 'What did he say?!{{' "}}<ref name="KJZZ">{{cite web|title=Leslie Nielsen Interview (Radio)|publisher=KJZZ 91.5 FM|url=http://kjzz.org/news/arizona/archives/200402/leslieneilsen|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ufWDXbYT|archivedate=2 December 2010}}</ref> Nielsen said he was "pleased and honored that [he] had a chance to deliver that line."<ref name="YahooNe"/> As of 2010, the comedic exchange was at No. 79 on the [[American Film Institute]]'s [[AFI's 100 Years...100 Movie Quotes]].<ref name="AFI">{{cite web|title=AFI.com|work=AFI's 100 Years...100 Movie Quotes|url=http://www.afi.com/100years/quotes.aspx|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ufWPg4p0|archivedate=2 December 2010}}</ref> The American Film Institute included the film in its list of the top ten comedy films of all time in 2008,<ref name="MIL">{{cite news|last=Dudek|first=Duane|title=25 years and still laughing; Airplane!' maintains its cruising|work=[[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]]| url=http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=332493|accessdate=23 February 2009|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080430053901/http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=332493 |archivedate=30 April 2008}}</ref> and a 2007 survey in the United Kingdom judged it the second greatest comedy film of all time.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4573444.stm "Life of Brian named best comedy"]. BBC News. Retrieved 18 January 2014</ref> In 2012 ''[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]]'' magazine voted it No. 1 in ''The 50 Funniest Comedies Ever'' poll.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.empireonline.com/features/50comedy/default.asp?film=1|title=The 50 Funniest Comedies Ever – 1. Airplane!|work=empireonline.com}}</ref> Critics praised the film, which also proved a long-term success with audiences.<ref name="RT1">{{cite web|title=Airplane! (1980)| work=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]|url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/airplane/|accessdate=23 February 2009}}</ref> In 2010 ''Airplane!'' was selected for preservation in the [[National Film Registry]] by the [[Library of Congress]].<ref name="congress">{{cite web|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jaseG0DbTvl6sIv1uPc-xelSmvjg?docId=c086d710fa42415cbeff1a6a2f80aa36|title='Empire Strikes Back' among 25 film registry picks|accessdate=28 December 2010}}</ref><ref name="hollreporter">{{cite news|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/empire-strikes-airplane-25-movies-65915|title='Empire Strikes Back,' 'Airplane!' Among 25 Movies Named to National Film Registry|accessdate=28 December 2010 | work=The Hollywood Reporter|first=Mike|last=Barnes|date=28 December 2010| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101230174923/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/empire-strikes-airplane-25-movies-65915 | archivedate=30 December 2010 | deadurl=no}}</ref> |
Nielsen's supporting role of Dr. Rumack in [[Zucker, Abrahams and Zucker]]'s 1980's ''[[Airplane!]]'' was a watershed in his career. The film, a parody of disaster films such as ''[[Zero Hour!]]'' and ''[[Airport (1970 film)|Airport]]'', was based on building a comedy around actors known for dramatic roles. Other stars included [[Robert Stack]], [[Peter Graves]], and [[Lloyd Bridges]]. Nielsen's deadpan delivery contrasted with the absurdity surrounding him. When asked, "Surely you can't be serious?", he responded with a curt, "I am serious. And don't call me Shirley." In several interviews he reflected on the line: "I thought it was amusing, but it never occurred to me that it was going to become a trademark. It's such a surprise ... the thing comes out, people say, 'What did he say?!{{' "}}<ref name="KJZZ">{{cite web|title=Leslie Nielsen Interview (Radio) |publisher=KJZZ 91.5 FM |url=http://kjzz.org/news/arizona/archives/200402/leslieneilsen |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ufWDXbYT?url=http://kjzz.org/news/arizona/archives/200402/leslieneilsen |archivedate= 2 December 2010 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> Nielsen said he was "pleased and honored that [he] had a chance to deliver that line."<ref name="YahooNe"/> As of 2010, the comedic exchange was at No. 79 on the [[American Film Institute]]'s [[AFI's 100 Years...100 Movie Quotes]].<ref name="AFI">{{cite web|title=AFI.com |work=AFI's 100 Years...100 Movie Quotes |url=http://www.afi.com/100years/quotes.aspx |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ufWPg4p0?url=http://www.afi.com/100years/quotes.aspx |archivedate= 2 December 2010 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> The American Film Institute included the film in its list of the top ten comedy films of all time in 2008,<ref name="MIL">{{cite news|last=Dudek|first=Duane|title=25 years and still laughing; Airplane!' maintains its cruising|work=[[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]]| url=http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=332493|accessdate=23 February 2009|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080430053901/http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=332493 |archivedate=30 April 2008}}</ref> and a 2007 survey in the United Kingdom judged it the second greatest comedy film of all time.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4573444.stm "Life of Brian named best comedy"]. BBC News. Retrieved 18 January 2014</ref> In 2012 ''[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]]'' magazine voted it No. 1 in ''The 50 Funniest Comedies Ever'' poll.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.empireonline.com/features/50comedy/default.asp?film=1|title=The 50 Funniest Comedies Ever – 1. Airplane!|work=empireonline.com}}</ref> Critics praised the film, which also proved a long-term success with audiences.<ref name="RT1">{{cite web|title=Airplane! (1980)| work=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]|url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/airplane/|accessdate=23 February 2009}}</ref> In 2010 ''Airplane!'' was selected for preservation in the [[National Film Registry]] by the [[Library of Congress]].<ref name="congress">{{cite web|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jaseG0DbTvl6sIv1uPc-xelSmvjg?docId=c086d710fa42415cbeff1a6a2f80aa36|title='Empire Strikes Back' among 25 film registry picks|accessdate=28 December 2010}}</ref><ref name="hollreporter">{{cite news|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/empire-strikes-airplane-25-movies-65915|title='Empire Strikes Back,' 'Airplane!' Among 25 Movies Named to National Film Registry|accessdate=28 December 2010 | work=The Hollywood Reporter|first=Mike|last=Barnes|date=28 December 2010| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101230174923/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/empire-strikes-airplane-25-movies-65915 | archivedate=30 December 2010 | deadurl=no}}</ref> |
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[[File:Airplane screenshot Haggerty Nielsen.jpg|thumb|left|Leslie Nielsen (right) in the role that established him as a comedic actor: Dr. Rumack in 1980 movie ''[[Airplane!]]'']] |
[[File:Airplane screenshot Haggerty Nielsen.jpg|thumb|left|Leslie Nielsen (right) in the role that established him as a comedic actor: Dr. Rumack in 1980 movie ''[[Airplane!]]'']] |
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The directors cast Nielsen for his ability to play like "a fish in water", saying "You could have cast funny people and done it with everybody winking, goofing off, and silly ... we wanted people to be oblivious to the comedy."<ref name="MIL"/> For Nielsen, ''Airplane!'' marked a shift from dramatic roles to [[deadpan|deadpan comedy]]. When it was suggested his role in ''Airplane!'' was [[Typecasting (acting)|against type]], Nielsen protested that he had "always been cast against type before", and that comedy was what he always wanted to do.<ref name="CastType">{{cite news|last=Dalton|first=Andrew|last2=Thomas|first2=Bob|title='Airplane!', 'Forbidden Planet' actor Nielsen dies|work=[[The Monitor (Texas)|The Monitor]]|url=http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_OBIT_LESLIE_NIELSEN?SITE=TXMCA&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ufWUN5CO|archivedate=2 December 2010}}</ref> The same directors cast Nielsen in a similar style, in their TV series ''[[Police Squad!]]''. The series introduced Nielsen as [[Frank Drebin]], the stereotypical police officer modelled after serious characters in earlier police series. |
The directors cast Nielsen for his ability to play like "a fish in water", saying "You could have cast funny people and done it with everybody winking, goofing off, and silly ... we wanted people to be oblivious to the comedy."<ref name="MIL"/> For Nielsen, ''Airplane!'' marked a shift from dramatic roles to [[deadpan|deadpan comedy]]. When it was suggested his role in ''Airplane!'' was [[Typecasting (acting)|against type]], Nielsen protested that he had "always been cast against type before", and that comedy was what he always wanted to do.<ref name="CastType">{{cite news|last=Dalton |first=Andrew |last2=Thomas |first2=Bob |title='Airplane!', 'Forbidden Planet' actor Nielsen dies |work=[[The Monitor (Texas)|The Monitor]] |url=http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_OBIT_LESLIE_NIELSEN?SITE=TXMCA&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ufWUN5CO?url=http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_OBIT_LESLIE_NIELSEN?SITE=TXMCA |archivedate= 2 December 2010 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> The same directors cast Nielsen in a similar style, in their TV series ''[[Police Squad!]]''. The series introduced Nielsen as [[Frank Drebin]], the stereotypical police officer modelled after serious characters in earlier police series. |
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''Police Squad'''s opening sequence was based on the 1950s show ''[[M Squad]]'', which starred [[Lee Marvin]], which opened with footage of a [[police car]] roving through a dark urban setting with a big band playing a jazz song in the background. The [[Hank Simms]] voice-over and the show's organization into acts with an epilogue was homage to [[Quinn Martin]] police dramas including ''[[The Fugitive (TV series)|The Fugitive]]'', ''[[The Streets of San Francisco]]'', ''[[Barnaby Jones]]'', ''[[The F.B.I. (TV series)|The F.B.I.]]'', and ''[[Cannon (TV series)|Cannon]]''. Nielsen portrayed a serious character whose one-liners appeared accidental next to the pratfalls and sight gags that were happening around him. Although the show lasted only six episodes Nielsen received an [[Emmy Award]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.emmys.com/celebrities/leslie-nielsen|title=Leslie Nielsen|work=Television Academy}}</ref> nomination for [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series|Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series]].<ref name="BIO">{{cite web|title=Leslie Nielsen|publisher=[[The Biography Channel]]|url=http://www.thebiographychannel.co.uk/biography_story/150:519/1/Leslie_Nielsen.htm|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ufWoKHlM|archivedate=2 December 2010}}</ref> |
''Police Squad'''s opening sequence was based on the 1950s show ''[[M Squad]]'', which starred [[Lee Marvin]], which opened with footage of a [[police car]] roving through a dark urban setting with a big band playing a jazz song in the background. The [[Hank Simms]] voice-over and the show's organization into acts with an epilogue was homage to [[Quinn Martin]] police dramas including ''[[The Fugitive (TV series)|The Fugitive]]'', ''[[The Streets of San Francisco]]'', ''[[Barnaby Jones]]'', ''[[The F.B.I. (TV series)|The F.B.I.]]'', and ''[[Cannon (TV series)|Cannon]]''. Nielsen portrayed a serious character whose one-liners appeared accidental next to the pratfalls and sight gags that were happening around him. Although the show lasted only six episodes Nielsen received an [[Emmy Award]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.emmys.com/celebrities/leslie-nielsen|title=Leslie Nielsen|work=Television Academy}}</ref> nomination for [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series|Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series]].<ref name="BIO">{{cite web|title=Leslie Nielsen |publisher=[[The Biography Channel]] |url=http://www.thebiographychannel.co.uk/biography_story/150:519/1/Leslie_Nielsen.htm |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ufWoKHlM?url=http://public2.bio.lalababy.co.uk/biographies/leslie-nielsen.html |archivedate= 2 December 2010 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> |
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Six years after cancellation of ''Police Squad!'', the film ''[[The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!]]'' returned Nielsen to his role as Frank Drebin. It involved a ruthless drug king trying hypnosis to assassinate Queen [[Elizabeth II]]. Drebin, like the doctor in ''Airplane!'', seemed unaware of the absurdity of the scenes he was in, even while contributing to it. Nielsen did many of his own stunts: "You have an idea of how you're going to do something, and it's your vision ... unless you do it, it really doesn't stand a chance."<ref name="KJZZ"/> This movie grossed over $78 million and was well received by critics.<ref name="MOJO">{{cite web|title=The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!|work=[[Box Office Mojo]]|url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=nakedgun.htm|accessdate=23 February 2009}}</ref><ref name="RT2">{{cite web|title=The Naked Gun – From the Files of Police Squad! (1988)|work=Rotten Tomatoes|url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/naked_gun_from_the_files_of_police_squad/|accessdate=23 February 2009}}</ref> Ebert's 3½–star review (out of four) noted, "You laugh, and then you laugh at yourself for laughing."<ref name="Ebert2">{{cite news|last=Ebert|first=Roger|authorlink=Roger Ebert|title=The Naked Gun|work=[[Chicago Sun-Times]]|url=http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/19881202/REVIEWS/812020301/1023|date=12 December 1988|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ufWuzdHx|archivedate=2 December 2010}}</ref> |
Six years after cancellation of ''Police Squad!'', the film ''[[The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!]]'' returned Nielsen to his role as Frank Drebin. It involved a ruthless drug king trying hypnosis to assassinate Queen [[Elizabeth II]]. Drebin, like the doctor in ''Airplane!'', seemed unaware of the absurdity of the scenes he was in, even while contributing to it. Nielsen did many of his own stunts: "You have an idea of how you're going to do something, and it's your vision ... unless you do it, it really doesn't stand a chance."<ref name="KJZZ"/> This movie grossed over $78 million and was well received by critics.<ref name="MOJO">{{cite web|title=The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!|work=[[Box Office Mojo]]|url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=nakedgun.htm|accessdate=23 February 2009}}</ref><ref name="RT2">{{cite web|title=The Naked Gun – From the Files of Police Squad! (1988)|work=Rotten Tomatoes|url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/naked_gun_from_the_files_of_police_squad/|accessdate=23 February 2009}}</ref> Ebert's 3½–star review (out of four) noted, "You laugh, and then you laugh at yourself for laughing."<ref name="Ebert2">{{cite news|last=Ebert |first=Roger |authorlink=Roger Ebert |title=The Naked Gun |work=[[Chicago Sun-Times]] |url=http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/19881202/REVIEWS/812020301/1023 |date=12 December 1988 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ufWuzdHx?url=http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F19881202%2FREVIEWS%2F812020301%2F1023 |archivedate= 2 December 2010 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> |
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''[[The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!|The Naked Gun]]'' spawned two sequels: ''[[The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear]]'' (1991) and ''[[Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult]]'' (1994). ''Naked Gun 2½'' grossed more than the original, with $86.9 million, while ''Naked Gun 33⅓'' grossed $51.1 million.<ref name="MOJO2">{{cite web|title=The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear|work=[[Box Office Mojo]]|url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=thenakedgun2.htm|accessdate=23 February 2009}}</ref><ref name="MOJO3">{{cite web|title=The Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult|work=[[Box Office Mojo]]|url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=thenakedgun3.htm|accessdate=23 February 2009}}</ref> Nielsen remained open to a fourth ''Naked Gun'' film, although he doubted that it would be produced — "I don't think so", he said in 2005. "If there hasn't been one by now, I doubt it. I think it would be wonderful."<ref name="About">{{cite news|last=Topel|first=Fred|title=Scary Movie 3|publisher=[[About.com]]|url=http://actionadventure.about.com/cs/weeklystories/a/aa102403.htm| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20051225060616/http://actionadventure.about.com/cs/weeklystories/a/aa102403.htm | archivedate=25 December 2005|accessdate=23 February 2009}}</ref> |
''[[The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!|The Naked Gun]]'' spawned two sequels: ''[[The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear]]'' (1991) and ''[[Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult]]'' (1994). ''Naked Gun 2½'' grossed more than the original, with $86.9 million, while ''Naked Gun 33⅓'' grossed $51.1 million.<ref name="MOJO2">{{cite web|title=The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear|work=[[Box Office Mojo]]|url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=thenakedgun2.htm|accessdate=23 February 2009}}</ref><ref name="MOJO3">{{cite web|title=The Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult|work=[[Box Office Mojo]]|url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=thenakedgun3.htm|accessdate=23 February 2009}}</ref> Nielsen remained open to a fourth ''Naked Gun'' film, although he doubted that it would be produced — "I don't think so", he said in 2005. "If there hasn't been one by now, I doubt it. I think it would be wonderful."<ref name="About">{{cite news|last=Topel|first=Fred|title=Scary Movie 3|publisher=[[About.com]]|url=http://actionadventure.about.com/cs/weeklystories/a/aa102403.htm| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20051225060616/http://actionadventure.about.com/cs/weeklystories/a/aa102403.htm | archivedate=25 December 2005|accessdate=23 February 2009}}</ref> |
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After ''Airplane!'' and ''The Naked Gun'', Nielsen portrayed similar styled roles in a number of other films. These mostly emulated the style of ''The Naked Gun'' with varying success and often targeted specific films: many were panned by critics and most performed poorly. ''[[Repossessed (film)|Repossessed]]'' (1990) and ''[[2001: A Space Travesty]]'' (2001) were parodies of ''[[The Exorcist (film)|The Exorcist]]'' and ''[[2001: A Space Odyssey (film)|2001: A Space Odyssey]]'', respectively. Both attempted absurd comedy but were poorly received.<ref name="RT5">{{cite web|title=Repossessed|work=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]|url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/repossessed/|accessdate=23 February 2009}}</ref><ref name="RT6">{{cite web|title=2001: A Space Travesty (2001)|work=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]|url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/2001_a_space_travesty/|accessdate=23 February 2009}}</ref> Even a leading role in a [[Mel Brooks]] comic horror, ''[[Dracula: Dead and Loving It]]'', failed to generate much box office excitement, although it did gain a following later release to video. Both 1996's ''[[Spy Hard]]'' and 1998's ''[[Wrongfully Accused]]'', a parody of [[James Bond in film|James Bond films]] and ''[[The Fugitive (1993 film)|The Fugitive]]'', were popular on video but not well received by critics.<ref name="RT3">{{cite web|title=Spy Hard|work=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]|url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/spy_hard/|accessdate=23 February 2009}}</ref><ref name="RT4">{{cite web|title=Wrongfully Accused|work=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]|url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/wrongfully_accused/|accessdate=23 February 2009}}</ref> |
After ''Airplane!'' and ''The Naked Gun'', Nielsen portrayed similar styled roles in a number of other films. These mostly emulated the style of ''The Naked Gun'' with varying success and often targeted specific films: many were panned by critics and most performed poorly. ''[[Repossessed (film)|Repossessed]]'' (1990) and ''[[2001: A Space Travesty]]'' (2001) were parodies of ''[[The Exorcist (film)|The Exorcist]]'' and ''[[2001: A Space Odyssey (film)|2001: A Space Odyssey]]'', respectively. Both attempted absurd comedy but were poorly received.<ref name="RT5">{{cite web|title=Repossessed|work=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]|url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/repossessed/|accessdate=23 February 2009}}</ref><ref name="RT6">{{cite web|title=2001: A Space Travesty (2001)|work=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]|url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/2001_a_space_travesty/|accessdate=23 February 2009}}</ref> Even a leading role in a [[Mel Brooks]] comic horror, ''[[Dracula: Dead and Loving It]]'', failed to generate much box office excitement, although it did gain a following later release to video. Both 1996's ''[[Spy Hard]]'' and 1998's ''[[Wrongfully Accused]]'', a parody of [[James Bond in film|James Bond films]] and ''[[The Fugitive (1993 film)|The Fugitive]]'', were popular on video but not well received by critics.<ref name="RT3">{{cite web|title=Spy Hard|work=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]|url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/spy_hard/|accessdate=23 February 2009}}</ref><ref name="RT4">{{cite web|title=Wrongfully Accused|work=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]|url=http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/wrongfully_accused/|accessdate=23 February 2009}}</ref> |
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His attempt at children's comedies met additional criticism. ''[[Surf Ninjas]]'' (1993) and ''[[Mr. Magoo (film)|Mr. Magoo]]'' (1997) had scathing reviews. Several critics were disappointed that Nielsen's role in ''Surf Ninjas'' was only "an extended cameo" and Chris Hicks recommended that viewers "avoid any comedy that features Leslie Nielsen outside of the ''Naked Gun'' series."<ref name="Variety">{{cite news|last=Kimmel|first=Daniel M.|title=Surf Ninjas|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|url=http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117901158.html?categoryid=31&cs=1&query=daniel+and+kimmel&display=daniel+kimmel|date=23 August 1993|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ufX4w1gj|archivedate=2 December 2010}}</ref><ref name="DNews">{{cite news|last=Hicks|first=Chris|title=Surf Ninjas|work=[[Deseret News]]|url=http://deseretnews.com/movies/view/1,1257,1780,00.html|date=26 August 1993|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ufX7wXAO|archivedate=2 December 2010}}</ref> Jeff Miller of the ''[[Houston Chronicle]]'' panned ''Mr. Magoo'', a live action remake of the [[Mr. Magoo|1950s cartoon]], by saying, "I'm supposed to suggest how the film might be better but I can't think of anything to say other than to make the film again."<ref name="HChron">{{cite news|last=Miller|first=Jeff|title=Looking for laughs? 'Magoo' loses its way|work=[[Houston Chronicle]]|url=http://www.chron.com/cgi-bin/auth/story/content/chronicle/ae/movies/reviews/1225magoo.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080125230821/http://www.chron.com/cgi-bin/auth/story/content/chronicle/ae/movies/reviews/1225magoo.html |archivedate=25 January 2008|accessdate=23 February 2009}}</ref> |
His attempt at children's comedies met additional criticism. ''[[Surf Ninjas]]'' (1993) and ''[[Mr. Magoo (film)|Mr. Magoo]]'' (1997) had scathing reviews. Several critics were disappointed that Nielsen's role in ''Surf Ninjas'' was only "an extended cameo" and Chris Hicks recommended that viewers "avoid any comedy that features Leslie Nielsen outside of the ''Naked Gun'' series."<ref name="Variety">{{cite news|last=Kimmel |first=Daniel M. |title=Surf Ninjas |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |url=http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117901158.html?categoryid=31&cs=1&query=daniel+and+kimmel&display=daniel+kimmel |date=23 August 1993 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ufX4w1gj?url=http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117901158?refcatid=31 |archivedate= 2 December 2010 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref><ref name="DNews">{{cite news|last=Hicks |first=Chris |title=Surf Ninjas |work=[[Deseret News]] |url=http://deseretnews.com/movies/view/1,1257,1780,00.html |date=26 August 1993 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ufX7wXAO?url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700001778/Surf-Ninjas.html |archivedate= 2 December 2010 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> Jeff Miller of the ''[[Houston Chronicle]]'' panned ''Mr. Magoo'', a live action remake of the [[Mr. Magoo|1950s cartoon]], by saying, "I'm supposed to suggest how the film might be better but I can't think of anything to say other than to make the film again."<ref name="HChron">{{cite news|last=Miller|first=Jeff|title=Looking for laughs? 'Magoo' loses its way|work=[[Houston Chronicle]]|url=http://www.chron.com/cgi-bin/auth/story/content/chronicle/ae/movies/reviews/1225magoo.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080125230821/http://www.chron.com/cgi-bin/auth/story/content/chronicle/ae/movies/reviews/1225magoo.html |archivedate=25 January 2008|accessdate=23 February 2009}}</ref> |
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Nielsen's first major success since ''[[The Naked Gun]]'' came in a supporting role in ''[[Scary Movie 3]]'' (2003). His appearance as President Harris led to a second appearance in its sequel, ''[[Scary Movie 4]]'' (2006). This was the first time Nielsen had reprised a character since Frank Drebin. In one scene, Nielsen appeared almost [[Nudity|nude]], and one critic referred to the scene as putting "the 'scary' in ''Scary Movie 4''."<ref name="RVs">{{cite news|last=Berardinelli|first=James|title=Scary Movie 4|publisher=ReelViews|url=http://www.reelviews.net/movies/s/scary_movie4.html|year=2006|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ufXByyQF|archivedate=2 December 2010}}</ref> |
Nielsen's first major success since ''[[The Naked Gun]]'' came in a supporting role in ''[[Scary Movie 3]]'' (2003). His appearance as President Harris led to a second appearance in its sequel, ''[[Scary Movie 4]]'' (2006). This was the first time Nielsen had reprised a character since Frank Drebin. In one scene, Nielsen appeared almost [[Nudity|nude]], and one critic referred to the scene as putting "the 'scary' in ''Scary Movie 4''."<ref name="RVs">{{cite news|last=Berardinelli |first=James |title=Scary Movie 4 |publisher=ReelViews |url=http://www.reelviews.net/movies/s/scary_movie4.html |year=2006 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ufXByyQF?url=http://www.reelviews.net/movies/s/scary_movie4.html |archivedate= 2 December 2010 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> |
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===Video, stage, and celebrity productions=== |
===Video, stage, and celebrity productions=== |
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Beginning in February 2007, Nielsen began playing a small role as a doctor in the humorous yet educational television show ''[[Doctor*Ology]]''. The show chronicles real-life medical techniques and technology, on the [[Discovery Channel]]. Nielsen said: "There are any number of things that you think about when you ponder if you hadn't been an actor, what would you be, and I've always said I'd like to be an astronaut or a doctor. I have such admiration for doctors. I just don't know how you go around to thank them enough for coming up with the world's most remarkable new discoveries."<ref name="YahooNe">{{cite news|title=Legendary Leslie Nielsen reluctant to slow down at 81|work=[[The Vancouver Sun]]|date=2 March 2007}}</ref> |
Beginning in February 2007, Nielsen began playing a small role as a doctor in the humorous yet educational television show ''[[Doctor*Ology]]''. The show chronicles real-life medical techniques and technology, on the [[Discovery Channel]]. Nielsen said: "There are any number of things that you think about when you ponder if you hadn't been an actor, what would you be, and I've always said I'd like to be an astronaut or a doctor. I have such admiration for doctors. I just don't know how you go around to thank them enough for coming up with the world's most remarkable new discoveries."<ref name="YahooNe">{{cite news|title=Legendary Leslie Nielsen reluctant to slow down at 81|work=[[The Vancouver Sun]]|date=2 March 2007}}</ref> |
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In 2007, Nielsen starred in the drama ''[[Music Within]]''. In 2008, he portrayed a version of [[Uncle Ben]] for ''[[Superhero Movie]]'', a spoof of [[superhero]] films. He then appeared in the 2008 parody ''[[An American Carol]]'', which David Zucker directed, produced and co-wrote. He appeared in the 2009 parody ''[[Stan Helsing]]''. Nielsen portrayed the Doctor in the Spanish horror comedy ''[[Spanish Movie]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dreadcentral.com/news/34842/spanish-movie-looking-bring-some-comedy-spanish-horror |title=Spanish Movie Looking to Bring Some Comedy into Spanish Horror |publisher=Dreadcentral.com|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ufXJQckR|date=7 December 2009|archivedate=2 December 2010}}</ref> a spoof comedy like ''[[Scary Movie]]'', but making fun of popular Spanish films.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/18301 |title='Spanish Movie' Spoofs Popular Flicks from Spain|publisher=Bloody-disgusting.com|date=7 December 2009|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ufXNdki2|archivedate=2 December 2010}}</ref> |
In 2007, Nielsen starred in the drama ''[[Music Within]]''. In 2008, he portrayed a version of [[Uncle Ben]] for ''[[Superhero Movie]]'', a spoof of [[superhero]] films. He then appeared in the 2008 parody ''[[An American Carol]]'', which David Zucker directed, produced and co-wrote. He appeared in the 2009 parody ''[[Stan Helsing]]''. Nielsen portrayed the Doctor in the Spanish horror comedy ''[[Spanish Movie]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dreadcentral.com/news/34842/spanish-movie-looking-bring-some-comedy-spanish-horror |title=Spanish Movie Looking to Bring Some Comedy into Spanish Horror |publisher=Dreadcentral.com |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ufXJQckR?url=http://www.dreadcentral.com/news/34842/spanish-movie-looking-bring-some-comedy-spanish-horror |date=7 December 2009 |archivedate= 2 December 2010 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> a spoof comedy like ''[[Scary Movie]]'', but making fun of popular Spanish films.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/18301 |title='Spanish Movie' Spoofs Popular Flicks from Spain |publisher=Bloody-disgusting.com |date=7 December 2009 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ufXNdki2?url=http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/18301 |archivedate= 2 December 2010 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> |
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Nielsen appeared in more than 100 films and 1,500 television episodes, portraying more than 220 characters.<ref name="CWOF">{{cite web|title=Leslie Nielsen, 2001 Inductee|work=Canadaswalkoffame.com|url=http://www.canadaswalkoffame.com/inductee/leslie-nielsen|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ufXRWkzX|archivedate=2 December 2010}}</ref><ref name="1500Greensboro">{{cite news|last=Leonard|first=J.T.|title=Nielsen Serious About Clarence Darrow Role|work=Greensboro News and Record|date=10 February 2000|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=GB&p_theme=gb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EAF88A65E1BB178&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|format=Fee required|accessdate=23 February 2009}}</ref> |
Nielsen appeared in more than 100 films and 1,500 television episodes, portraying more than 220 characters.<ref name="CWOF">{{cite web|title=Leslie Nielsen, 2001 Inductee |work=Canadaswalkoffame.com |url=http://www.canadaswalkoffame.com/inductee/leslie-nielsen |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ufXRWkzX?url=http://www.canadaswalkoffame.com/inductee/leslie-nielsen |archivedate= 2 December 2010 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref><ref name="1500Greensboro">{{cite news|last=Leonard|first=J.T.|title=Nielsen Serious About Clarence Darrow Role|work=Greensboro News and Record|date=10 February 2000|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=GB&p_theme=gb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EAF88A65E1BB178&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|format=Fee required|accessdate=23 February 2009}}</ref> |
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==Personal life== |
==Personal life== |
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{{Quote box|width=30em|align=left|bgcolor=#c6dbf7|quote="I'm afraid if I don't keep moving, they're going to catch me ... I am 81 years old and I want to see what's around the corner, and I don't see any reason in the world not to keep working. But I am starting to value my down time a great deal because I am realizing there might be other things to do that I am overlooking."|source=—Nielsen reflecting on his career in 2007<ref name="YahooNe"/>}} |
{{Quote box|width=30em|align=left|bgcolor=#c6dbf7|quote="I'm afraid if I don't keep moving, they're going to catch me ... I am 81 years old and I want to see what's around the corner, and I don't see any reason in the world not to keep working. But I am starting to value my down time a great deal because I am realizing there might be other things to do that I am overlooking."|source=—Nielsen reflecting on his career in 2007<ref name="YahooNe"/>}} |
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Nielsen married four times: nightclub singer [[Monica Boyar]] (1950–1956), Alisande Ullman (1958–1973), Brooks Oliver (1981–1983) and Barbaree Earl (2001–2010).<ref name="NNDB">{{cite web|title=Leslie Nielsen|work=[[NNDB]]|url=http://www.nndb.com/people/158/000023089/|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ufXUDouV|archivedate=2 December 2010}}</ref><ref name="Yahoo">{{cite web|title=Leslie Nielsen|work=[[Yahoo! Movies]]|url=https://movies.yahoo.com/movie/contributor/1800014430/bio|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ufXWHnju|archivedate=2 December 2010}}</ref> Nielsen had two daughters from his second marriage, Maura and Thea Nielsen.<ref name="Yahoo"/> |
Nielsen married four times: nightclub singer [[Monica Boyar]] (1950–1956), Alisande Ullman (1958–1973), Brooks Oliver (1981–1983) and Barbaree Earl (2001–2010).<ref name="NNDB">{{cite web|title=Leslie Nielsen |work=[[NNDB]] |url=http://www.nndb.com/people/158/000023089/ |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ufXUDouV?url=http://www.nndb.com/people/158/000023089/ |archivedate= 2 December 2010 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref><ref name="Yahoo">{{cite web|title=Leslie Nielsen |work=[[Yahoo! Movies]] |url=https://movies.yahoo.com/movie/contributor/1800014430/bio |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ufXWHnju?url=http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/contributor/1800014430/bio |archivedate= 2 December 2010 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> Nielsen had two daughters from his second marriage, Maura and Thea Nielsen.<ref name="Yahoo"/> |
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Nielsen often played [[golf]].<ref name="Tribute">{{cite web|title=Leslie Nielsen|work=Tribute.ca|url=http://www.tribute.ca/people/leslie-nielsen/1314/|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ufXYuAD0|archivedate=2 December 2010}}</ref> He joked, "I have no goals or ambition. I do, however, wish to work enough to maintain whatever celebrity status I have so that they will continue to invite me to golf tournaments."<ref name="Tribute"/> His interest in the sport led him to comedic instructional films. |
Nielsen often played [[golf]].<ref name="Tribute">{{cite web|title=Leslie Nielsen |work=Tribute.ca |url=http://www.tribute.ca/people/leslie-nielsen/1314/ |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ufXYuAD0?url=http://www.tribute.ca/people/leslie-nielsen/1314/ |archivedate= 2 December 2010 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> He joked, "I have no goals or ambition. I do, however, wish to work enough to maintain whatever celebrity status I have so that they will continue to invite me to golf tournaments."<ref name="Tribute"/> His interest in the sport led him to comedic instructional films. |
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Nielsen was a practical joker, and known for pranking people with a portable hand-controlled [[Practical_joke_device#Embarrassing|fart machine]]: "he always had that fart machine with him."<ref>Will Harris, [http://www.avclub.com/article/surely-you-cant-be-serious-oral-history-airplane-218043 "Surely You Can't Be Serious: An Oral History of ''Airplane!''"], ''A.V. Club'', 17 April 2015.</ref><ref>Cal Fussman, [http://www.esquire.com/entertainment/interviews/a4348/leslie-nielsen-0408/ "What I've Learned: Interview with Leslie Nielsen"], ''[[Esquire (magazine)|Esquire]]'', 28 November 2010.</ref><ref>See, e.g., [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7OiKj8Bvrw Leslie Nielsen using his fart machine on a British morning show].</ref><ref>Jim Dawson, ''Blame It on the Dog: A Modern History of the Fart'', p.17.</ref> His epitaph read: "Let 'er rip", a final reference to his favorite practical joke. |
Nielsen was a practical joker, and known for pranking people with a portable hand-controlled [[Practical_joke_device#Embarrassing|fart machine]]: "he always had that fart machine with him."<ref>Will Harris, [http://www.avclub.com/article/surely-you-cant-be-serious-oral-history-airplane-218043 "Surely You Can't Be Serious: An Oral History of ''Airplane!''"], ''A.V. Club'', 17 April 2015.</ref><ref>Cal Fussman, [http://www.esquire.com/entertainment/interviews/a4348/leslie-nielsen-0408/ "What I've Learned: Interview with Leslie Nielsen"], ''[[Esquire (magazine)|Esquire]]'', 28 November 2010.</ref><ref>See, e.g., [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7OiKj8Bvrw Leslie Nielsen using his fart machine on a British morning show].</ref><ref>Jim Dawson, ''Blame It on the Dog: A Modern History of the Fart'', p.17.</ref> His epitaph read: "Let 'er rip", a final reference to his favorite practical joke. |
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Nielsen was legally deaf and wore hearing aids for most of his life.<ref name=Shirley /> Because of this impairment, he supported the Better Hearing Institute.<ref name="BHISupport">{{cite web|title=About BHI- Celebrities Who Have Supported BHI|work=Better Hearing Institute|url=http://www.betterhearing.org/about/celeb.cfm|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ufXlPzrS|archivedate=2 December 2010}}</ref> Later in life, Nielsen had knee osteoarthritis. He participated in an educational video from The Arthritis Research Centre of Canada (ARC), demonstrating the physical examination of a patient with knee osteoarthritis.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2011/irsc-cihr/MR12-4-2011-3-eng.pdf | title=Partner Corner | date=March 2011 | work=IMHA on the Move | publisher=CIHR – Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis | page=4 | accessdate=30 January 2016 }}</ref> |
Nielsen was legally deaf and wore hearing aids for most of his life.<ref name=Shirley /> Because of this impairment, he supported the Better Hearing Institute.<ref name="BHISupport">{{cite web|title=About BHI- Celebrities Who Have Supported BHI |work=Better Hearing Institute |url=http://www.betterhearing.org/about/celeb.cfm |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ufXlPzrS?url=http://www.betterhearing.org/about/celeb.cfm |archivedate= 2 December 2010 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> Later in life, Nielsen had knee osteoarthritis. He participated in an educational video from The Arthritis Research Centre of Canada (ARC), demonstrating the physical examination of a patient with knee osteoarthritis.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2011/irsc-cihr/MR12-4-2011-3-eng.pdf | title=Partner Corner | date=March 2011 | work=IMHA on the Move | publisher=CIHR – Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis | page=4 | accessdate=30 January 2016 }}</ref> |
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==Death== |
==Death== |
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[[File:Leslie Nielsen Headstone.jpg|thumb|250px|alt=Leslie Nielsen Gravestone|Leslie Nielsen's gravestone bearing his epitaph, a final reference to his favorite practical joke, a fart machine.]] |
[[File:Leslie Nielsen Headstone.jpg|thumb|250px|alt=Leslie Nielsen Gravestone|Leslie Nielsen's gravestone bearing his epitaph, a final reference to his favorite practical joke, a fart machine.]] |
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In November 2010, Nielsen was admitted to Holy Cross Hospital, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with [[pneumonia]]. On 28 November, Doug Nielsen, Nielsen's nephew, told the [[CJOB]] radio station that 84-year-old Nielsen had died in his sleep from pneumonia around 5:30 pm EST surrounded by family and friends.<ref name="TorStar">{{cite news|last=Dalton|first=Andrew|title=Leslie Nielsen of 'Naked Gun' fame dies at age 84|work=[[Toronto Star]]|url=http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/movies/article/898202--leslie-nielsen-of-naked-gun-fame-dies-at-age-84?bn=1|date=28 November 2010|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ue0dA3CC|archivedate=1 December 2010}}</ref><ref name="CJOBAudio">{{cite news|title=Leslie Nielsen dead at 84|publisher=[[CJOB]]|url=http://www.cjob.com/Landing/Story.aspx?ID=1318402|date=28 November 2010|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ufXnxiGg|archivedate=2 December 2010}}</ref><ref name="CNNOb">{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/Movies/11/28/obit.leslie.nielsen/index.html?hpt=T1|title=Leslie Nielsen, star of 'Airplane!' and 'Naked Gun,' dead at 84|publisher=[[CNN]]|date=28 November 2010|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ufXrYBOr|archivedate=2 December 2010}}</ref><ref name="CanadaOn">{{cite news|agency=[[Postmedia News]]|url=http://www.canada.com/sports/baseball/Canadian+movie+star+Leslie+Nielsen+dead/3897133/story.html|title=Canadian movie star Leslie Nielsen dead at 84|publisher=[[Postmedia News|Canada.com]]|date=2 November 2010|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ufY1V5ly|archivedate=2 December 2010}}</ref> He was interred in Fort Lauderdale's Evergreen Cemetery.<ref>{{Find a Grave|62278982}}</ref> As a final bit of humor, Nielsen chose "Let 'er rip" as his [[epitaph]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1394065/Leslie-Nielsen-keeps-fans-laughing-grave.html |date=3 June 2011 |title=Leslie Nielsen keeps fans laughing from beyond the grave with 'let 'er rip' epitaph |
In November 2010, Nielsen was admitted to Holy Cross Hospital, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with [[pneumonia]]. On 28 November, Doug Nielsen, Nielsen's nephew, told the [[CJOB]] radio station that 84-year-old Nielsen had died in his sleep from pneumonia around 5:30 pm EST surrounded by family and friends.<ref name="TorStar">{{cite news|last=Dalton |first=Andrew |title=Leslie Nielsen of 'Naked Gun' fame dies at age 84 |work=[[Toronto Star]] |url=http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/movies/article/898202--leslie-nielsen-of-naked-gun-fame-dies-at-age-84?bn=1 |date=28 November 2010 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ue0dA3CC?url=http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/movies/article/898202--leslie-nielsen-of-naked-gun-fame-dies-at-age-84?bn=1 |archivedate= 1 December 2010 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref><ref name="CJOBAudio">{{cite news|title=Leslie Nielsen dead at 84 |publisher=[[CJOB]] |url=http://www.cjob.com/Landing/Story.aspx?ID=1318402 |date=28 November 2010 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ufXnxiGg?url=http://www.cjob.com/Landing/Story.aspx?ID=1318402 |archivedate= 2 December 2010 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref><ref name="CNNOb">{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/Movies/11/28/obit.leslie.nielsen/index.html?hpt=T1 |title=Leslie Nielsen, star of 'Airplane!' and 'Naked Gun,' dead at 84 |publisher=[[CNN]] |date=28 November 2010 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ufXrYBOr?url=http://www.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/Movies/11/28/obit.leslie.nielsen/index.html?hpt=T1 |archivedate= 2 December 2010 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref><ref name="CanadaOn">{{cite news|agency=[[Postmedia News]] |url=http://www.canada.com/sports/baseball/Canadian+movie+star+Leslie+Nielsen+dead/3897133/story.html |title=Canadian movie star Leslie Nielsen dead at 84 |publisher=[[Postmedia News|Canada.com]] |date=2 November 2010 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ufY1V5ly?url=http://www.canada.com/sports/baseball/Canadian%20movie%20star%20Leslie%20Nielsen%20dead/3897133/story.html |archivedate= 2 December 2010 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> He was interred in Fort Lauderdale's Evergreen Cemetery.<ref>{{Find a Grave|62278982}}</ref> As a final bit of humor, Nielsen chose "Let 'er rip" as his [[epitaph]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1394065/Leslie-Nielsen-keeps-fans-laughing-grave.html |date=3 June 2011 |title=Leslie Nielsen keeps fans laughing from beyond the grave with 'let 'er rip' epitaph |
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|first= Debbie|last= Emery |location=London |work=Daily Mail}}</ref> |
|first= Debbie|last= Emery |location=London |work=Daily Mail}}</ref> |
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==Achievements== |
==Achievements== |
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Among his awards, in 1995 Nielsen received [[University of California, Los Angeles|UCLA]]'s [[Jack Benny]] Award.<ref name="BIO"/> In 1988, he became the 1,884th personality to receive a star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]] at 6541 Hollywood Blvd.<ref name="CityN">{{cite news|title=Leslie Nielsen Gets Star on Walk of Fame|work=[[Deseret News]]|url=http://archive.deseretnews.com/archive/26629/LESLIE-NIELSEN-GETS-STAR-ON-WALK-OF-FAME.html|date=12 December 1988|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ufY4CIWc|archivedate=2 December 2010}}</ref> In 2001 he was inducted into [[Canada's Walk of Fame]].<ref name="hon1">{{cite web|title=The Canada Honours|publisher=Canada's Walk of Fame|url=http://www.canadaswalkoffame.com/inductee/leslie-nielsen|year=2010|accessdate=1 January 2011}}</ref> The following year he was made an Officer of the [[Order of Canada]], although he was also a naturalized US citizen.<ref name="Record"/> With his American status, he maintained his Canadian heritage: "There's no way you can be a Canadian and think you can lose it ... Canadians are a goodly group. They are very aware of caring and helping."<ref name="Record"/> On 19 May 2005, during the centennial gala of his birth province, [[Saskatchewan]], Leslie Nielsen was introduced to [[Elizabeth II|HM Queen Elizabeth II]].<ref name="Queen">{{cite news|title=The Royal Homecoming|work=Centennial|url=http://www.monarchist-nsb.ca/download/centennial-edition-league-news-2005.pdf.pdf|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070704074620/http://www.monarchist-nsb.ca/download/centennial-edition-league-news-2005.pdf.pdf |archivedate=4 July 2007|format=PDF|accessdate=22 February 2009}}</ref> |
Among his awards, in 1995 Nielsen received [[University of California, Los Angeles|UCLA]]'s [[Jack Benny]] Award.<ref name="BIO"/> In 1988, he became the 1,884th personality to receive a star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]] at 6541 Hollywood Blvd.<ref name="CityN">{{cite news|title=Leslie Nielsen Gets Star on Walk of Fame |work=[[Deseret News]] |url=http://archive.deseretnews.com/archive/26629/LESLIE-NIELSEN-GETS-STAR-ON-WALK-OF-FAME.html |date=12 December 1988 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ufY4CIWc?url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/26629/LESLIE-NIELSEN-GETS-STAR-ON-WALK-OF-FAME.html |archivedate= 2 December 2010 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> In 2001 he was inducted into [[Canada's Walk of Fame]].<ref name="hon1">{{cite web|title=The Canada Honours |publisher=Canada's Walk of Fame |url=http://www.canadaswalkoffame.com/inductee/leslie-nielsen |year=2010 |accessdate=1 January 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ufXRWkzX?url=http://www.canadaswalkoffame.com/inductee/leslie-nielsen |archivedate= 2 December 2010 |df= }}</ref> The following year he was made an Officer of the [[Order of Canada]], although he was also a naturalized US citizen.<ref name="Record"/> With his American status, he maintained his Canadian heritage: "There's no way you can be a Canadian and think you can lose it ... Canadians are a goodly group. They are very aware of caring and helping."<ref name="Record"/> On 19 May 2005, during the centennial gala of his birth province, [[Saskatchewan]], Leslie Nielsen was introduced to [[Elizabeth II|HM Queen Elizabeth II]].<ref name="Queen">{{cite news|title=The Royal Homecoming|work=Centennial|url=http://www.monarchist-nsb.ca/download/centennial-edition-league-news-2005.pdf.pdf|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070704074620/http://www.monarchist-nsb.ca/download/centennial-edition-league-news-2005.pdf.pdf |archivedate=4 July 2007|format=PDF|accessdate=22 February 2009}}</ref> |
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In 1997, a Golden Palm Star on the [[Palm Springs, California]], [[Palm Springs Walk of Stars|Walk of Stars]] was dedicated to him.<ref>[http://www.palmspringswalkofstars.com/web-storage/Stars/Stars%20dedicated%20by%20date.pdf Palm Springs Walk of Stars by date dedicated]</ref> |
In 1997, a Golden Palm Star on the [[Palm Springs, California]], [[Palm Springs Walk of Stars|Walk of Stars]] was dedicated to him.<ref>[http://www.palmspringswalkofstars.com/web-storage/Stars/Stars%20dedicated%20by%20date.pdf Palm Springs Walk of Stars by date dedicated] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013165655/http://www.palmspringswalkofstars.com/web-storage/Stars/Stars%20dedicated%20by%20date.pdf |date=13 October 2012 }}</ref> |
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On 20 February 2002, Nielsen was named an honorary citizen of [[West Virginia]] and an Ambassador of Mountain State Goodwill. Nielsen visited the state many times to speak and visit friends.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=VPwrAAAAIBAJ&sjid=RG0FAAAAIBAJ&pg=2223,5021078&dq=leslie+nielsen&hl=en|title=Nielsen Honored By West Virginia|date=21 February 2002|work=Kentucky New Era|accessdate=28 November 2010}}</ref> In 2003, in honour of Nielsen, [[MacEwan University|Grant MacEwan College]] named its school of communications after him.<ref name="CBCAwards">{{cite news|title=Leslie Nielsen wins excellence award|publisher=[[CBC News]]|url=http://www.cbc.ca/arts/story/2003/10/23/nielsenaward231003.html|date=23 October 2003|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ufYB1tyr|archivedate=2 December 2010}}</ref> Also in 2003, the [[ACTRA|Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists]] awarded him the ACTRA Award of Excellence.<ref name="CBCAwards"/> |
On 20 February 2002, Nielsen was named an honorary citizen of [[West Virginia]] and an Ambassador of Mountain State Goodwill. Nielsen visited the state many times to speak and visit friends.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=VPwrAAAAIBAJ&sjid=RG0FAAAAIBAJ&pg=2223,5021078&dq=leslie+nielsen&hl=en|title=Nielsen Honored By West Virginia|date=21 February 2002|work=Kentucky New Era|accessdate=28 November 2010}}</ref> In 2003, in honour of Nielsen, [[MacEwan University|Grant MacEwan College]] named its school of communications after him.<ref name="CBCAwards">{{cite news|title=Leslie Nielsen wins excellence award |publisher=[[CBC News]] |url=http://www.cbc.ca/arts/story/2003/10/23/nielsenaward231003.html |date=23 October 2003 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5ufYB1tyr?url=http://www.cbc.ca/arts/story/2003/10/23/nielsenaward231003.html |archivedate= 2 December 2010 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> Also in 2003, the [[ACTRA|Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists]] awarded him the ACTRA Award of Excellence.<ref name="CBCAwards"/> |
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==Filmography== |
==Filmography== |
Revision as of 09:44, 12 May 2017
Leslie Nielsen | |
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![]() Nielsen in 1982 | |
Born | Leslie William Nielsen 11 February 1926 Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada |
Died | 28 November 2010 Fort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S. | (aged 84)
Cause of death | Pneumonia |
Nationality | Canadian |
Alma mater | Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre |
Occupation(s) | Actor, comedian, producer |
Years active | 1950–2010 |
Notable work | |
Spouses |
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Children | 2 |
Relatives |
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Signature | |
![]() |
Leslie William Nielsen, OC (11 February 1926 – 28 November 2010) was a Canadian actor, comedian, and producer.[1][2] He appeared in more than 100 films and 150 television programs, portraying more than 220 characters.[3]
Nielsen was born in Regina, Saskatchewan. He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force and later worked as a disc jockey before receiving a scholarship to study theatre at the Neighborhood Playhouse. Making his acting debut in 1950, appearing in 46 live television programs a year. Nielsen made his film debut in 1956, with supporting roles in several drama, western, and romance films produced between the 1950s and the 1970s.
Although his performances in the films Forbidden Planet and The Poseidon Adventure gave him standing as a serious actor, Nielsen later gained enduring recognition for his deadpan comedy roles during the 1980s, after being cast against type for the Zucker, Abrahams and Zucker comedy film Airplane!. In his routines, Nielsen specialized in his portrayal of characters oblivious to and complicit in their absurd surroundings, which gave him a reputation as a comedian.[4] Airplane! marked Nielsen's turning point, which made him "the Olivier of spoofs" according to film critic Roger Ebert;[5] his work on the film also led to further success in the genre with The Naked Gun film series, which are based on their earlier short-lived television series Police Squad!, in which he also starred. Nielsen received a variety of awards and was inducted into the Canada and Hollywood Walks of Fame.
Early life
Leslie William Nielsen was born on 11 February 1926 in Regina, Saskatchewan.[6] His mother, Mabel Elizabeth (née Davies), was a British immigrant from Wales, and his father, Ingvard Eversen Nielsen, was a Danish-born constable in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.[7][8][9] Nielsen had two brothers; the elder, Erik Nielsen (1924–2008), was a long-time Canadian Member of Parliament, cabinet minister and Deputy Prime Minister of Canada from 1984 to 1986.[10]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fc/HersholtBrotherswife.jpg/220px-HersholtBrotherswife.jpg)
Nielsen's half-uncle Jean Hersholt was an actor known for his portrayal of Dr. Christian in a radio series of that name, and the subsequent television series and films.[11][12] In a 1994 Boston Globe article, Nielsen explained, "I did learn very early that when I would mention my uncle, people would look at me as if I were the biggest liar in the world. Then I would take them home and show them 8-by-10 glossies, and things changed quite drastically. So I began to think that maybe this acting business was not a bad idea, much as I was very shy about it and certainly without courage regarding it. My uncle died not too long after I was in a position to know him. I regret that I had not a chance to know him better."[11]
Nielsen lived for several years in Fort Norman (now Tulita) in the Northwest Territories where his father was with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.[11][13] His father was an abusive man who beat his wife and sons, and Leslie longed to escape. When he graduated from high school at 17, he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force even though he was legally deaf (he wore hearing aids most of his life).[14][15] Following graduation from Victoria School of Performing and Visual Arts in Edmonton, Nielsen enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force and trained as an aerial gunner during World War II. He was too young to be fully trained or sent overseas.[16] He worked briefly as a disc jockey at a Calgary, Alberta, radio station, before enrolling at the Lorne Greene Academy of Radio Arts in Toronto.[11][17] While studying in Toronto, Nielsen received a scholarship to the Neighborhood Playhouse. He noted, "I couldn't refuse, but I must say when you come from the land of the snow goose, the moose and wool to New York, you're bringing every ton of hayseed and country bumpkin that you packed. As long as I didn't open my mouth, I felt a certain security. But I always thought I was going to be unmasked: 'OK, pack your stuff.' 'Well, what's the matter?' 'We've discovered you have no talent; we're shipping you back to Canada.'"[11] He moved to New York City for his scholarship,[6] studying theatre and music at the Neighborhood Playhouse, while performing in summer stock theatre.[18] Afterward, he attended the Actors Studio,[19] until his first television appearance in 1950 on an episode of Studio One, alongside Charlton Heston,[20] for which he was paid $75.[11]
Career
Early career
"It was a strange era, the tail end of the golden age. A time when the Tiffany's of filmmakers was burying its head in the sand and trying to pretend that this new medium (television) was not happening."
Nielsen reflecting on the era when he started acting.[20]
Nielsen's career began in dramatic roles on television during "Television's Golden Age",[21] appearing in 46 live programs in 1950 alone.[22] He said there "was very little gold, we only got $75 or $100 per show."[22] He narrated documentaries and commercials and most of his early work as a dramatic actor was uneventful.[23] Hal Erickson of Allmovie noted that "much of Nielsen's early work was undistinguished; he was merely a handsome leading man in an industry overstocked with handsome leading men."[23] In 1956 he made his feature film debut in the Michael Curtiz-directed musical film The Vagabond King.[24] In the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Nielsen remembered Curtiz as "a sadist, a charming sadist, but a sadist".[20] Nielsen called this film "The Vagabond Turkey".[25] Though the film was not a success, producer Nicholas Nayfack offered him an audition for the science fiction film Forbidden Planet, resulting in Nielsen's taking a long contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM).[20][26]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/16/ForbiddenPlanet1.jpg/250px-ForbiddenPlanet1.jpg)
Forbidden Planet became an instant success,[28] and roles in other MGM films such as Ransom! (1956), The Opposite Sex (1956) and Hot Summer Night (1957) followed.[29] In 1957 he won the lead role opposite Debbie Reynolds in the romantic comedy Tammy and the Bachelor, which, as a Chicago Tribune critic wrote in 1998, made people consider Nielsen a dramatic actor and handsome romantic lead.[30] However, dissatisfied with the films he was offered, calling the studios "a Tiffany, which had forgotten how to make silver", Nielsen left MGM after auditioning for Messala in the 1959 Ben-Hur. Stephen Boyd got the role.[31][32] After leaving the studios, Nielsen landed the lead role in the Disney miniseries The Swamp Fox, as American Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion.[33] In a 1988 interview he reflected on the series, saying, "That was a great experience, because the Disney people didn't do their shows like everyone else, knocking out an episode a week. ... We only had to do an episode a month, and the budgets were extremely high for TV at that time. We had location shooting rather than cheap studio backdrops, and very authentic costumes."[34] Eight episodes were produced and aired between 1959 and 1961.[33]
His television appearances include Justice, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, The Virginian, and The Wild Wild West. In 1961, he was the lead in a Los Angeles police drama called The New Breed. He guest-starred in a 1964 episode of Daniel Boone with Fess Parker in a minor but credited role. In 1968, he had a major role in the pilot for the police series Hawaii Five-O, and appeared in one of the seventh-season episodes. In 1969, he had the leading role as a police officer in The Bold Ones: The Protectors.
In 1972, Nielsen appeared as the ship's captain in the The Poseidon Adventure. He also starred in the William Girdler's 1977 action film, Project: Kill. His last dramatic role before mainly comedy roles was the 1979 Canadian disaster film City on Fire, in which he played a corrupt mayor. In 1980, he guest-starred as Sinclair on the CBS miniseries The Chisholms.
Airplane! and The Naked Gun
Nielsen's supporting role of Dr. Rumack in Zucker, Abrahams and Zucker's 1980's Airplane! was a watershed in his career. The film, a parody of disaster films such as Zero Hour! and Airport, was based on building a comedy around actors known for dramatic roles. Other stars included Robert Stack, Peter Graves, and Lloyd Bridges. Nielsen's deadpan delivery contrasted with the absurdity surrounding him. When asked, "Surely you can't be serious?", he responded with a curt, "I am serious. And don't call me Shirley." In several interviews he reflected on the line: "I thought it was amusing, but it never occurred to me that it was going to become a trademark. It's such a surprise ... the thing comes out, people say, 'What did he say?!'"[35] Nielsen said he was "pleased and honored that [he] had a chance to deliver that line."[36] As of 2010, the comedic exchange was at No. 79 on the American Film Institute's AFI's 100 Years...100 Movie Quotes.[37] The American Film Institute included the film in its list of the top ten comedy films of all time in 2008,[38] and a 2007 survey in the United Kingdom judged it the second greatest comedy film of all time.[39] In 2012 Empire magazine voted it No. 1 in The 50 Funniest Comedies Ever poll.[40] Critics praised the film, which also proved a long-term success with audiences.[41] In 2010 Airplane! was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.[42][43]
The directors cast Nielsen for his ability to play like "a fish in water", saying "You could have cast funny people and done it with everybody winking, goofing off, and silly ... we wanted people to be oblivious to the comedy."[38] For Nielsen, Airplane! marked a shift from dramatic roles to deadpan comedy. When it was suggested his role in Airplane! was against type, Nielsen protested that he had "always been cast against type before", and that comedy was what he always wanted to do.[44] The same directors cast Nielsen in a similar style, in their TV series Police Squad!. The series introduced Nielsen as Frank Drebin, the stereotypical police officer modelled after serious characters in earlier police series.
Police Squad's opening sequence was based on the 1950s show M Squad, which starred Lee Marvin, which opened with footage of a police car roving through a dark urban setting with a big band playing a jazz song in the background. The Hank Simms voice-over and the show's organization into acts with an epilogue was homage to Quinn Martin police dramas including The Fugitive, The Streets of San Francisco, Barnaby Jones, The F.B.I., and Cannon. Nielsen portrayed a serious character whose one-liners appeared accidental next to the pratfalls and sight gags that were happening around him. Although the show lasted only six episodes Nielsen received an Emmy Award[45] nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series.[46]
Six years after cancellation of Police Squad!, the film The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! returned Nielsen to his role as Frank Drebin. It involved a ruthless drug king trying hypnosis to assassinate Queen Elizabeth II. Drebin, like the doctor in Airplane!, seemed unaware of the absurdity of the scenes he was in, even while contributing to it. Nielsen did many of his own stunts: "You have an idea of how you're going to do something, and it's your vision ... unless you do it, it really doesn't stand a chance."[35] This movie grossed over $78 million and was well received by critics.[47][48] Ebert's 3½–star review (out of four) noted, "You laugh, and then you laugh at yourself for laughing."[49]
The Naked Gun spawned two sequels: The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear (1991) and Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult (1994). Naked Gun 2½ grossed more than the original, with $86.9 million, while Naked Gun 33⅓ grossed $51.1 million.[50][51] Nielsen remained open to a fourth Naked Gun film, although he doubted that it would be produced — "I don't think so", he said in 2005. "If there hasn't been one by now, I doubt it. I think it would be wonderful."[52]
Nielsen briefly appeared on the World Wrestling Federation program in the summer of 1994 on WWF Monday Night Raw; capitalizing on Frank Drebin. Nielsen (and George Kennedy) were hired as sleuths to unravel the mystery of The Undertaker who had disappeared at January's Royal Rumble event. At SummerSlam 1994, in a Naked Gun parody, they were hot on the case (in fact, they were standing on a case). Although they did not find The Undertaker, the case had been closed (the literal case had been shut) and thus, they solved the mystery.[53] In 1990, Nielsen appeared as a Frank Drebin character in advertisements in the United Kingdom for Red Rock Cider.
Non-comedic roles after Airplane! included Prom Night (1980) and Creepshow (1982), both horror films, and as a dramatic and unsympathetic character in the 1986 comedy Soul Man. His last dramatic role was as Allen Green, a violent client of a prostitute killed in self-defence by Barbra Streisand's character, Claudia Draper, in Martin Ritt's courtroom drama Nuts (1987).
Later comedies
After Airplane! and The Naked Gun, Nielsen portrayed similar styled roles in a number of other films. These mostly emulated the style of The Naked Gun with varying success and often targeted specific films: many were panned by critics and most performed poorly. Repossessed (1990) and 2001: A Space Travesty (2001) were parodies of The Exorcist and 2001: A Space Odyssey, respectively. Both attempted absurd comedy but were poorly received.[54][55] Even a leading role in a Mel Brooks comic horror, Dracula: Dead and Loving It, failed to generate much box office excitement, although it did gain a following later release to video. Both 1996's Spy Hard and 1998's Wrongfully Accused, a parody of James Bond films and The Fugitive, were popular on video but not well received by critics.[56][57]
His attempt at children's comedies met additional criticism. Surf Ninjas (1993) and Mr. Magoo (1997) had scathing reviews. Several critics were disappointed that Nielsen's role in Surf Ninjas was only "an extended cameo" and Chris Hicks recommended that viewers "avoid any comedy that features Leslie Nielsen outside of the Naked Gun series."[58][59] Jeff Miller of the Houston Chronicle panned Mr. Magoo, a live action remake of the 1950s cartoon, by saying, "I'm supposed to suggest how the film might be better but I can't think of anything to say other than to make the film again."[60]
Nielsen's first major success since The Naked Gun came in a supporting role in Scary Movie 3 (2003). His appearance as President Harris led to a second appearance in its sequel, Scary Movie 4 (2006). This was the first time Nielsen had reprised a character since Frank Drebin. In one scene, Nielsen appeared almost nude, and one critic referred to the scene as putting "the 'scary' in Scary Movie 4."[61]
Video, stage, and celebrity productions
Nielsen also produced instructional golf videos, which were not presented in a serious style, beginning with 1993's Bad Golf Made Easier. The videos combined comedy with golf techniques. The series spawned two additional sequels, Bad Golf My Way (1994) and Stupid Little Golf Video (1997). Nielsen also co-wrote a fictional autobiography titled The Naked Truth. The book portrayed Nielsen as a popular actor with a long history of prestigious films.
In his eighties, Nielsen performed serious roles on screen and stage (such as his one-man theatre show Darrow, in which he played Clarence Darrow), as well as providing voice-overs and appearances for commercials; cartoons like Zeroman where he had the leading role/voice; children's shows, such as Pumper Pups, which he narrated, in addition to comedic film roles. The sibling relationship with his elder brother, the Honourable Erik Nielsen, a former Deputy Prime Minister of Canada, served as the premise of an HBO mockumentary entitled The Canadian Conspiracy in which Leslie Nielsen appeared, along with other prominent Canadian-born media personalities. He was a celebrity contestant on CBS's Gameshow Marathon, where he played The Price Is Right, Let's Make a Deal, Beat the Clock, and Press Your Luck for charity.[22]
Final acting years
Beginning in February 2007, Nielsen began playing a small role as a doctor in the humorous yet educational television show Doctor*Ology. The show chronicles real-life medical techniques and technology, on the Discovery Channel. Nielsen said: "There are any number of things that you think about when you ponder if you hadn't been an actor, what would you be, and I've always said I'd like to be an astronaut or a doctor. I have such admiration for doctors. I just don't know how you go around to thank them enough for coming up with the world's most remarkable new discoveries."[36]
In 2007, Nielsen starred in the drama Music Within. In 2008, he portrayed a version of Uncle Ben for Superhero Movie, a spoof of superhero films. He then appeared in the 2008 parody An American Carol, which David Zucker directed, produced and co-wrote. He appeared in the 2009 parody Stan Helsing. Nielsen portrayed the Doctor in the Spanish horror comedy Spanish Movie,[62] a spoof comedy like Scary Movie, but making fun of popular Spanish films.[63]
Nielsen appeared in more than 100 films and 1,500 television episodes, portraying more than 220 characters.[64][65]
Personal life
"I'm afraid if I don't keep moving, they're going to catch me ... I am 81 years old and I want to see what's around the corner, and I don't see any reason in the world not to keep working. But I am starting to value my down time a great deal because I am realizing there might be other things to do that I am overlooking."
—Nielsen reflecting on his career in 2007[36]
Nielsen married four times: nightclub singer Monica Boyar (1950–1956), Alisande Ullman (1958–1973), Brooks Oliver (1981–1983) and Barbaree Earl (2001–2010).[66][67] Nielsen had two daughters from his second marriage, Maura and Thea Nielsen.[67]
Nielsen often played golf.[68] He joked, "I have no goals or ambition. I do, however, wish to work enough to maintain whatever celebrity status I have so that they will continue to invite me to golf tournaments."[68] His interest in the sport led him to comedic instructional films.
Nielsen was a practical joker, and known for pranking people with a portable hand-controlled fart machine: "he always had that fart machine with him."[69][70][71][72] His epitaph read: "Let 'er rip", a final reference to his favorite practical joke.
Nielsen was legally deaf and wore hearing aids for most of his life.[15] Because of this impairment, he supported the Better Hearing Institute.[73] Later in life, Nielsen had knee osteoarthritis. He participated in an educational video from The Arthritis Research Centre of Canada (ARC), demonstrating the physical examination of a patient with knee osteoarthritis.[74]
Death
![Leslie Nielsen Gravestone](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/17/Leslie_Nielsen_Headstone.jpg/250px-Leslie_Nielsen_Headstone.jpg)
In November 2010, Nielsen was admitted to Holy Cross Hospital, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with pneumonia. On 28 November, Doug Nielsen, Nielsen's nephew, told the CJOB radio station that 84-year-old Nielsen had died in his sleep from pneumonia around 5:30 pm EST surrounded by family and friends.[75][76][77][78] He was interred in Fort Lauderdale's Evergreen Cemetery.[79] As a final bit of humor, Nielsen chose "Let 'er rip" as his epitaph.[80]
Achievements
Among his awards, in 1995 Nielsen received UCLA's Jack Benny Award.[46] In 1988, he became the 1,884th personality to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6541 Hollywood Blvd.[81] In 2001 he was inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame.[82] The following year he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada, although he was also a naturalized US citizen.[1] With his American status, he maintained his Canadian heritage: "There's no way you can be a Canadian and think you can lose it ... Canadians are a goodly group. They are very aware of caring and helping."[1] On 19 May 2005, during the centennial gala of his birth province, Saskatchewan, Leslie Nielsen was introduced to HM Queen Elizabeth II.[83]
In 1997, a Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs, California, Walk of Stars was dedicated to him.[84]
On 20 February 2002, Nielsen was named an honorary citizen of West Virginia and an Ambassador of Mountain State Goodwill. Nielsen visited the state many times to speak and visit friends.[85] In 2003, in honour of Nielsen, Grant MacEwan College named its school of communications after him.[86] Also in 2003, the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists awarded him the ACTRA Award of Excellence.[86]
Filmography
Films
Year | Film | Role | Other notes |
---|---|---|---|
1955 | The Battle of Gettysburg | Narrator | |
1956 | Ransom! | Charlie Telfer | Film debut, as an actor |
Forbidden Planet | Commander John J. Adams | First starring role | |
The Vagabond King | Thibault | ||
The Opposite Sex | Steve Hilliard | ||
1957 | Hot Summer Night | William Joel Partain | |
Tammy and the Bachelor | Peter Brent | ||
1958 | The Sheepman | Col. Stephen Bedford / Johnny Bledsoe | |
1964 | Night Train to Paris | Alan Holiday | |
See How They Run | Elliot Green | First television movie | |
1965 | Harlow | Richard Manley | |
Dark Intruder | Brett Kingsford | ||
1966 | The Plainsman | Col. George Armstrong Custer | |
Beau Geste | Lieutenant De Ruse | ||
1967 | Code Name: Heraclitus | Fryer | |
Gunfight in Abilene | Grant Evers | ||
The Reluctant Astronaut | Major Fred Gifford | ||
Counterpoint | Victor Rice | ||
Rosie! | Cabot Shaw | ||
1968 | How to Steal the World | General Maximilian Harmon | The Man from U.N.C.L.E. film |
Dayton's Devils | Frank Dayton | ||
Companions in Nightmare | Dr. Neesden | ||
1969 | Deadlock | Lieutenant Sam Danforth | |
Trial Run | Jason Harkness | ||
How to Commit Marriage | Phil Fletcher | ||
Change of Mind | Sheriff Webb | ||
1970 | Four Rode Out | Mr. Brown | |
Night Slaves | Sheriff Henshaw | ||
The Aquarians | Official | ||
Hauser's Memory | Joseph Slaughter | ||
1971 | Incident In San Francisco | Lieutenant Brubaker | |
The Resurrection of Zachary Wheeler | Harry Walsh | ||
They Call It Murder | Frank Antrim | ||
1972 | The Poseidon Adventure | The Captain | |
1973 | Snatched | Bill Sutting | |
Amanda Fallon | Mr. Cummings | ||
The Return of Charlie Chan | Alexander Hadrachi | ||
And Millions Will Die | Jack Gallagher | ||
1975 | Can Ellen Be Saved | Arnold Lindsey | |
Threshold: The Blue Angels Experience | Narrator | ||
1976 | Brinks: The Great Robbery | Agent Norman Houston | |
Project Kill | Jonathan Trevor | ||
Grand Jury | John Williams | ||
1977 | The Kentucky Fried Movie | Man in Feel-O-Rama Movie | Uncredited cameo; Feel-O-Rama segment. |
Day of the Animals | Paul Jenson | ||
Viva Knievel! | Stanley Millard | ||
The Amsterdam Kill | Riley Knight | ||
Sixth and Main | John Doe | ||
1978 | Little Mo | Nelson Fisher | |
The Mad Trapper | |||
1979 | The Albertans | Don MacIntosh | |
Institute for Revenge | Counselor Hollis Barnes | ||
Riel | Major Crozier | ||
City on Fire | Mayor William Dudley | ||
1980 | OHMS | Governor | |
Airplane! | Dr. Rumack | First comedy role. | |
Prom Night | Mr. Raymond Hammond | ||
1981 | A Choice of Two | Unknown | |
1982 | Twilight Theater | Various Characters | |
Murder Among Friends | Unknown | ||
Creepshow | Richard Vickers | "Something To Tide You Over" segment | |
Wrong Is Right | Mallory | ||
Airplane II: The Sequel | Dr. Rumack | ||
Foxfire Light | Reece Morgan | ||
1983 | Prime Time | Unknown | |
The Night the Bridge Fell Down | Paul Warren | ||
Cave-In! | Joseph 'Joe' Johnson | ||
The Creature Wasn't Nice (Spaceship) | Capt. Jamieson | ||
1985 | Blade in Hong Kong | Harry Ingersoll | |
Striker's Mountain | Jim McKay | ||
1986 | Reckless Disregard | Bob Franklin | |
The Patriot | Admiral Frazer | ||
Soul Man | Mr. Dunbar | ||
1987 | Nightstick | Thad Evans | |
Home Is Where the Hart Is | Sheriff Nashville Schwartz | ||
Nuts | Allen Green | Final non-comedy role | |
1988 | Dangerous Curves | Greg Krevske | |
The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! | Lt. Frank Drebin | ||
1989 | The Railway Dragon | Narrator | First animated film. |
1990 | Repossessed | Father Jedediah Mayii | |
1991 | The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear | Lt. Frank Drebin | Nominated—MTV Movie Award for Best Kiss (shared with Priscilla Presley) |
All I Want for Christmas | Santa Claus | Family holiday film | |
Chance of a Lifetime | Lloyd Dixon | ||
1993 | Surf Ninjas | Colonel Chi | |
Digger | Arthur Evrensel | ||
1994 | Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult | Lt. Frank Drebin | |
S.P.Q.R.: 2,000 and a Half Years Ago | Lucio Cinico | ||
1995 | Rent-a-Kid | Harry Haber | |
Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree | Willowby's butler | ||
Dracula: Dead and Loving It | Count Dracula | ||
1996 | Harvey | Dr. Chumley | |
Spy Hard | Dick Steele, Agent WD-40 | ||
1997 | Family Plan | Harry Haber | |
Mr. Magoo | Mr. Magoo | ||
1998 | Safety Patrol | Mr. Penn | |
Wrongfully Accused | Ryan Harrison | ||
1999 | Pirates 4-D | Captain Lucky | 4D Cinema Show presented at various Busch Gardens amusement parks |
2000 | Santa Who? | Santa Claus | |
2001: A Space Travesty | Marshal Richard 'Dick' Dix | ||
2001 | Camouflage | Jack Potter | |
Kevin of the North (Chilly Dogs) | Clive Thornton | ||
2002 | Men with Brooms | Gordon Cutter | |
2003 | Scary Movie 3 | President Harris | |
Noël Noël | English Narrator | ||
2006 | Scary Movie 4 | President Harris | |
2007 | Music Within | Bill Austin | |
2008 | Superhero Movie | Uncle Albert | |
An American Carol | Grampa / Osama Bin Laden | ||
Slap Shot 3: The Junior League | Mayor of Charlestown | ||
2009 | Stan Helsing | Kay | |
Spanish Movie | Doctor | ||
2011 | Stonerville | Producer | |
Unknown | The Waterman Movie | Ready Espanosa | Voice acting[87] |
Television
Year | Title | Role | Other Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1953 | Jukebox Jury | Himself | |
1958–1961 | Alfred Hitchcock Presents | Lloyd Ashley & DA Rudolph Cox | Two episodes |
1959 | The Swamp Fox | Colonel Francis Marion | |
1960 | Thriller | Alan Patterson (lead role) | Episode "The Twisted Image" |
1960, 1964 | Wagon Train | Jeremy Dow, Brian Conlin | Two episodes |
1960 | The Untouchables | Tom Sebring | Episode "Three Thousand Suspects" |
1960 | Route 66 (TV series) | ||
1961 | The Islanders | Howard Cavanaugh | Episode "Willy's Millionaire" |
1961 | The New Breed | Lt. Price Adams | Regular |
1963 | Channing | Professor Paul Stafford | Single episode |
1963–1965 | Kraft Suspense Theatre | Dr. David Cord & Paul Maytric | Two episodes: "One Step Down" & "The Green Felt Jungle" |
1963–1964 | The Fugitive (TV series) | Martin C. Rowland & Harold Cheyney | Two episodes |
1964 | Your First Impression | As himself | Single episode |
1964 | The Alfred Hitchcock Hour | Steven Grainger | Single episode |
1964–1969 | The Virginian | Ben Stratton | Five episodes |
1965 | Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea | Capt. Wayne Adams | One episode "The Creature" |
1965 | Peyton Place | Vincent and Kenneth Marham (twins) | 19 episodes |
1965 | The Wild Wild West | General Ball | Single episode |
1967 | Bonanza | Sheriff Paul Rowan | One episode |
1968 | The Man from U.N.C.L.E. | General Maximillian Harmon | Single episode "The Seven Wonders of the World Affair Pt 1 & 2" |
1969 | The Bold Ones: The Protectors | Deputy Police Chief Sam Danforth | Seven episodes |
1969 | The Big Valley | Sgt. Maj. Earl Conway | One episode "Town of no Exit" |
1969–1974 | Hawaii Five-O | Brent & Colonel Faraday | Two episodes |
1970 | Bracken's World | John Bracken | Fifteen Bracken's World episodes total |
1971 | Columbo: Lady in Waiting | Peter Hamilton | Two Columbo episodes total |
1971 | Bearcats! | Col. Ted Donovan | Single episode |
1971 | Night Gallery | The Phantom, Col. Dennis Malloy | Two episodes: "Phantom of What Opera?" and "A Question of Fear" |
1973 | M*A*S*H | Col. Buzz Brighton | Episode "The Ringbanger" |
1973–1974 | The Streets of San Francisco | Ofc. Joe Landers, Insp. John T. Connor, & Big Jake Wilson | Three episodes |
1974 | Cannon | Eric Strauss | Single episode |
1974 | Kojak | Michael Hagar | Single episode "Loser Takes All" |
1975 | Kung Fu | Vincent Corbino | Four episodes[88] |
1975 | Columbo: Identity Crisis | Geronimo | Two Columbo episodes total |
1975–1976 | S.W.A.T. | Larry Neal/Vince Richie | Three episodes |
1978 | The Love Boat | Dan | Episode "Parents Know Best; A Selfless Love; The Nubile Nurse" |
1979 | Backstairs at the White House | Ike Hoover | Three episodes |
1980 | The Littlest Hobo | Mayor Chester Montgomery | Episode "Romiet and Julio" |
1982 | Police Squad! | Det. Frank Drebin | Nominated—Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series |
1984 | Shaping Up | Buddy Fox | |
1985–1986 | Murder, She Wrote | Captain Daniels & David Everett | Two episodes |
1987 | Highway to Heaven | Richard R. Benson | Episode "Gift Of Life" |
1988 | Who's the Boss? | Max | |
1988 | Day By Day | Jack Harper | Episode "Harper and Son" Nominated—Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series |
1989 | Saturday Night Live | Himself | Single episode |
1992 | The Golden Girls | Lucas Hollingsworth | Series finale |
1993 | Herman's Head | God | Single episode |
1994–1999 | Due South | Sgt. Buck Frobisher | Four episodes |
1994–1996, 2001–2002 | Katie and Orbie | Narrator | |
1995 | Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree | Mr. Willowby's Butler, Baxter | Television Christmas special |
2000 | Santa Who? | Santa Claus | Television film |
2001 | Liocracy | Terrence Brynne McKennie | |
2002 | Chilly Beach | Santa Claus | Single episode |
2002 | This is America with Dennis Wholey | Himself, Panelist | Single episode |
2004 | Zeroman | Les Mutton / Zeroman | |
2007 | Doctor*Ology | Himself, Host | |
Lipshitz Saves the World | Lipshitz's mentor | Pilot | |
Robson Arms | Cado Vasco | ||
Family Guy | Dr. Barry Rumack | Blue Harvest |
Video
- 1993: Bad Golf Made Easier
- 1994: Bad Golf My Way
- 1997: Stupid Little Golf Video
- 1997: National Geographic Video: The Savage Garden
- Nielsen also appeared in a promotional video for Layman Allen's mathematics game called "Equations" and in the Seaworld San Antonio Summer Nights 4-D show "Pirates 4-D".
Writings
- 1993: The Naked Truth
- 1995: Leslie Nielsen's Stupid Little Golf Book with Henry Beard
- 1996: Bad Golf My Way with Henry Beard
References
- ^ a b c "Comedian returning home to host fundraiser". The Record. 16 June 2005. Archived from the original on 25 August 2006. Retrieved 23 February 2009.
- ^ "I played a lot of leaders, autocratic sorts; perhaps it was my Canadian accent", he said." – http://topnews360.tmcnet.com/topics/associated-press/articles/2010/12/02/122613-naked-gun-airplane-actor-leslie-nielsen-dies.htm
- ^ Collins, Glenn (21 December 1988). "Mr. Nondescript Becomes a Star in 'Naked Gun'". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 1 December 2010.
{{cite news}}
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suggested) (help) - ^ Ebert, Roger (24 October 2003). "Scary Movie 3". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on 1 December 2010.
{{cite news}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
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suggested) (help) - ^ a b Ross, Bob (24 May 1996). "Worth the Rent" (Fee required). The Tampa Tribune. Retrieved 28 November 2010.
- ^ Simpson, Kieran (1980). Canadian Who's Who, Volume 15. University of Toronto Press. ISBN 0-8020-4579-0.
- ^ Lumley, Elizabeth (2003). Canadian Who's Who 2003, Volume 38. University of Toronto Press. p. 1,103. ISBN 0-8020-8865-1.
- ^ "Leslie Nielsen, the comic with the Danish roots: "Comedy is what endures"". Scandinavian Press. Vol. 4, no. 1. 31 March 1997. Proquest Document ID: 494375361. Retrieved 16 December 2009.
{{cite news}}
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suggested) (help) - ^ "Erik Nielsen dies at B.C. at 84". The Globe and Mail. Toronto. 5 September 2008. Archived from the original on 1 December 2010.
{{cite news}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ a b c d e f Carr, Jay (13 March 1994). "If Leslie Nielsen has learned anything, it's how to play slapstick with a ... straight face" (Fee required). The Boston Globe. Retrieved 1 December 2010.
- ^ Nielsen, Leslie; David Fisher (1994). Leslie Nielsen the naked truth. Pocket Books. p. 289. ISBN 0-671-79578-3.
- ^ "Playing Defense Funny Man Turns Serious with One-man Darrow Show" (Fee required). Chicago Tribune. 30 January 2000. Retrieved 1 December 2010.
- ^ Biodata about Nielsen's abusive father
- ^ a b "Leslie Nielsen, RIP. "And don't call me Shirley"". Chicago Sun-Times. Associated Press. 29 November 2010. Archived from the original on 1 December 2010.
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suggested) (help) - ^ "No Joke! Nielsen in Drama". Rocky Mountain News. Reuters. 14 June 1996. Retrieved 1 December 2010.
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- ^ Hopper, Hedda (6 January 1957). "These New Faces Will Go Places in 1957!". Chicago Tribune. p. H16.
- ^ Wise, James E. Jr.; Baron, Scott (2002). International Stars at War. Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press. p. 221. ISBN 1-55750-965-4.
- ^ a b c d Arnold, William (6 December 1988). "Shy actor loves his life as a comic". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Archived from the original on 1 December 2010.
{{cite news}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
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{{cite news}}
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ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ a b c "Leslie Nielsen". CBS. Archived from the original on 1 December 2010.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
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suggested) (help) - ^ a b Erickson, Hal. "Biography". Allmovie. Archived from the original on 1 December 2010.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ Thomas, Bob (9 September 1993). "Nielsen is Serious About Comic Side". The Times Union. Retrieved 1 December 2010.
{{cite news}}
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ignored (|url-access=
suggested) (help) - ^ Dalton, Andrew; Thomas, Bob (29 November 2010). "Leslie Nielsen, 84; versatile actor's career took off with comedies". The Boston Globe. Archived from the original on 1 December 2010.
{{cite news}}
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suggested) (help) - ^ Thomas, Bob (28 June 1991). "The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear – Funnyman Nielsen Used to be Serious". The Cincinnati Post. p. 1C.
- ^ Vincent, Mal (18 March 1994). "It's no Fun Playing it Straight" (Fee required). The Virginian-Pilot. Retrieved 1 December 2010.
- ^ "Forbidden Planet (1956)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 23 February 2009.
- ^ Craft, Dan (24 September 1999). "From Drebin to Darrow". The Pantagraph. p. D1.
- ^ Petrakis, John (24 August 1998). "Nielsen Still Kicking in `Wrongfully Accused'". Chicago Tribune. p. 2.
- ^ Bawden, Jim (18 August 2002). "Leslie Nielsen comes home for CBC's 50th – Veteran actor and comedian is the host of comedy special". Toronto Star. p. D3.
- ^ Clark, Mike (15 September 2005). "New on DVD". USA Today. Archived from the original on 1 December 2010.
{{cite news}}
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- ^ Brode, Doug (12 December 1988). "Nielsen Makes the 'First String' in Films". The Post-Standard. p. D10.
- ^ a b "Leslie Nielsen Interview (Radio)". KJZZ 91.5 FM. Archived from the original on 2 December 2010.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ a b c "Legendary Leslie Nielsen reluctant to slow down at 81". The Vancouver Sun. 2 March 2007.
- ^ "AFI.com". AFI's 100 Years...100 Movie Quotes. Archived from the original on 2 December 2010.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ a b Dudek, Duane. "25 years and still laughing; Airplane!' maintains its cruising". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Archived from the original on 30 April 2008. Retrieved 23 February 2009.
- ^ "Life of Brian named best comedy". BBC News. Retrieved 18 January 2014
- ^ "The 50 Funniest Comedies Ever – 1. Airplane!". empireonline.com.
- ^ "Airplane! (1980)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 23 February 2009.
- ^ "'Empire Strikes Back' among 25 film registry picks". Retrieved 28 December 2010.
- ^ Barnes, Mike (28 December 2010). "'Empire Strikes Back,' 'Airplane!' Among 25 Movies Named to National Film Registry". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on 30 December 2010. Retrieved 28 December 2010.
{{cite news}}
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ignored (|url-status=
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{{cite news}}
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- ^ a b "Leslie Nielsen". The Biography Channel. Archived from the original on 2 December 2010.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
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- ^ "The Naked Gun – From the Files of Police Squad! (1988)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 23 February 2009.
- ^ Ebert, Roger (12 December 1988). "The Naked Gun". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on 2 December 2010.
{{cite news}}
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suggested) (help) - ^ "The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 23 February 2009.
- ^ "The Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 23 February 2009.
- ^ Topel, Fred. "Scary Movie 3". About.com. Archived from the original on 25 December 2005. Retrieved 23 February 2009.
- ^ Baer, Randy; R.D. Reynolds (2003). Wrestlecrap: The Very Worst of Pro Wrestling. ECW Press. p. 168. ISBN 1-55022-584-7.
- ^ "Repossessed". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 23 February 2009.
- ^ "2001: A Space Travesty (2001)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 23 February 2009.
- ^ "Spy Hard". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 23 February 2009.
- ^ "Wrongfully Accused". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 23 February 2009.
- ^ Kimmel, Daniel M. (23 August 1993). "Surf Ninjas". Variety. Archived from the original on 2 December 2010.
{{cite news}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
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suggested) (help) - ^ Hicks, Chris (26 August 1993). "Surf Ninjas". Deseret News. Archived from the original on 2 December 2010.
{{cite news}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ Miller, Jeff. "Looking for laughs? 'Magoo' loses its way". Houston Chronicle. Archived from the original on 25 January 2008. Retrieved 23 February 2009.
- ^ Berardinelli, James (2006). "Scary Movie 4". ReelViews. Archived from the original on 2 December 2010.
{{cite news}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Spanish Movie Looking to Bring Some Comedy into Spanish Horror". Dreadcentral.com. 7 December 2009. Archived from the original on 2 December 2010.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "'Spanish Movie' Spoofs Popular Flicks from Spain". Bloody-disgusting.com. 7 December 2009. Archived from the original on 2 December 2010.
{{cite web}}
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suggested) (help) - ^ "Leslie Nielsen, 2001 Inductee". Canadaswalkoffame.com. Archived from the original on 2 December 2010.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ Leonard, J.T. (10 February 2000). "Nielsen Serious About Clarence Darrow Role" (Fee required). Greensboro News and Record. Retrieved 23 February 2009.
- ^ "Leslie Nielsen". NNDB. Archived from the original on 2 December 2010.
{{cite web}}
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suggested) (help) - ^ a b "Leslie Nielsen". Yahoo! Movies. Archived from the original on 2 December 2010.
{{cite web}}
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suggested) (help) - ^ a b "Leslie Nielsen". Tribute.ca. Archived from the original on 2 December 2010.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
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suggested) (help) - ^ Will Harris, "Surely You Can't Be Serious: An Oral History of Airplane!", A.V. Club, 17 April 2015.
- ^ Cal Fussman, "What I've Learned: Interview with Leslie Nielsen", Esquire, 28 November 2010.
- ^ See, e.g., Leslie Nielsen using his fart machine on a British morning show.
- ^ Jim Dawson, Blame It on the Dog: A Modern History of the Fart, p.17.
- ^ "About BHI- Celebrities Who Have Supported BHI". Better Hearing Institute. Archived from the original on 2 December 2010.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
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suggested) (help) - ^ "Partner Corner" (PDF). IMHA on the Move. CIHR – Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis. March 2011. p. 4. Retrieved 30 January 2016.
- ^ Dalton, Andrew (28 November 2010). "Leslie Nielsen of 'Naked Gun' fame dies at age 84". Toronto Star. Archived from the original on 1 December 2010.
{{cite news}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Leslie Nielsen dead at 84". CJOB. 28 November 2010. Archived from the original on 2 December 2010.
{{cite news}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Leslie Nielsen, star of 'Airplane!' and 'Naked Gun,' dead at 84". CNN. 28 November 2010. Archived from the original on 2 December 2010.
{{cite news}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Canadian movie star Leslie Nielsen dead at 84". Canada.com. Postmedia News. 2 November 2010. Archived from the original on 2 December 2010.
{{cite news}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ Leslie Nielsen at Find a Grave
- ^ Emery, Debbie (3 June 2011). "Leslie Nielsen keeps fans laughing from beyond the grave with 'let 'er rip' epitaph". Daily Mail. London.
- ^ "Leslie Nielsen Gets Star on Walk of Fame". Deseret News. 12 December 1988. Archived from the original on 2 December 2010.
{{cite news}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "The Canada Honours". Canada's Walk of Fame. 2010. Archived from the original on 2 December 2010. Retrieved 1 January 2011.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "The Royal Homecoming" (PDF). Centennial. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 July 2007. Retrieved 22 February 2009.
- ^ Palm Springs Walk of Stars by date dedicated Archived 13 October 2012 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Nielsen Honored By West Virginia". Kentucky New Era. 21 February 2002. Retrieved 28 November 2010.
- ^ a b "Leslie Nielsen wins excellence award". CBC News. 23 October 2003. Archived from the original on 2 December 2010.
{{cite news}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ Labrecque, Jeff (30 November 2010). "Leslie Nielsen's final film, 'The Waterman Movie,' remains in limbo, says the director". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
- ^ "Television's Top 'Heavy'". Victoria Advocate. Associated Press. 10 March 1975. p. 3B. Retrieved 21 November 2015.
External links
Media related to Leslie Nielsen at Wikimedia Commons
- Leslie Nielsen at IMDb
- CBC Digital Archives – Leslie and Erik Nielsen laugh it up
- 1926 births
- 2010 deaths
- 20th-century American male actors
- 20th-century Canadian male actors
- 21st-century American male actors
- 21st-century Canadian male actors
- American film producers
- American male comedians
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- American male voice actors
- American people of Canadian descent
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- Canadian emigrants to the United States
- Canadian male comedians
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- Canadian male television actors
- Canadian male voice actors
- Canadian military personnel of World War II
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- Deaths from pneumonia
- Infectious disease deaths in Florida
- Male actors from Phoenix, Arizona
- Male actors from Saskatchewan
- Male actors from the Northwest Territories
- Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre alumni
- Officers of the Order of Canada
- People from Regina, Saskatchewan
- Royal Canadian Air Force personnel
- Victoria School of Performing and Visual Arts alumni
- People with acquired American citizenship