So long, Leslie Nielsen

[bbjohn]

I just learned this evening (Nov. 28) of the passing of a real Hollywood legend, actor Leslie Nielsen.

It's hard to imagine one individual having two such completely different images during his career. For years, he was successful in dramatic roles, mostly playing stuffy bureaucrats, politicians, businessmen, or high-class crooks. Then, when he was already over 60, he appeared in "Airplane!" and everyone was astonished to see how funny he was! Almost overnight, he became the King of Clowns.

As I understand it, comedy was something he wanted to do all along. He never really got a shot at it until "Airplane!"

Some critics have described Nielsen's Frank Drebin character from the "Naked Gun" movies as an American Inspector Clouseau. I would suggest the "Naked Gun" movies existed in a separate reality. In that world, all the craziness made perfect sense. It was played perfectly straight. That's why we found it so funny.

Through it all, Nielsen was a remarkably talented and versatile actor. It's easy to see why he hardly ever lacked work.

Surely, I will miss him (yes, I know your name isn't Shirley!).

Big Bad John

[nachtjaeger]

Wow. He had a real talent for comedy. As I understand it, he started out playing the "heavy" in films, but even when he was a gun-toting gangster, people laughed.

Leslie said once "A comedian says funny things; a comic says things funny. I say unfunny things in an unfunny way, and people start laughing."
A truly unique talent. He will be missed.

[Billie Bonce]

Very sad

I must admit, from all the actors whom you mentioned in this forum for such a sad reasons, Leslie Nielsen is the only one who is well known in my part of the world.

[Robert]

The first time I remember him in a role was from Disney's "Swamp Fox". That was my favorite for a long time. My favorite movie was Forbidden Planet. He got to squeeze Anne Francis!! Rest well Leslie and Thanks!

Robert

[Duncan Edwards]

The first time I remember him in a role was from Disney's "Swamp Fox". That was my favorite for a long time. My favorite movie was Forbidden Planet. He got to squeeze Anne Francis!! Rest well Leslie and Thanks!

Robert

My experience with him was pretty much that too. Like his role in Forbidden Planet as the very square, tough guy, commander he was cast as heavies and serious guys until Airplane. Ironically I saw Airplane again just a few days ago. Silly as it is you have to watch him to appreciate his ability to say something hilarious with absolute stone faced sobriety and perfect timing. One of Canada's best exports and a cool guy.

[water_bug_62208]

The first time I remember him in a role was from Disney's "Swamp Fox". That was my favorite for a long time. My favorite movie was Forbidden Planet. He got to squeeze Anne Francis!! Rest well Leslie and Thanks!

Robert

I really enjoyed watching Forbidden Planet, yet, I must admit I didn't realize Leslie Nielsen starred in it as the commander. Guess I only knew him for his comedy roles... either that or I was looking at Anne Francis' legs when I should've been paying more attention to other things.

Airplane and the Naked Gun series of movies were truly classics. Mr. Nielsen was one of a kind. He will be missed.

[MuddyEddie]

And he also was a guest star on M*A*S*H as well. An incredible talent!

Eddie

[Villein]

He was truly funny and talented.
He will be missed.

[PM2K]

A real one of a kind person... Rest well, Mister Nielson

[jack c]

I, also, knew Leslie Nielsen as a character actor in the 1960's. Then came Airplane! (don't call me Shirley). Police Squad (only 6 episodes, I believe, by the way) was funny in a Get Smart kind of way, but far better. This series begat the Naked Gun movies, which were as hilarious as was Airplane! (somehow part of his name was Sargent [sergeant], and his rank was lieutenant - just a play on words). I liked it when he turned to Priscilla Presley in the second one and said, "And I faked every orgasm!"

I gather he was a decent guy, as well. All of these talented people leaving this world - inevitable, yet still sad.