Actor Leslie Nielsen Dies at 84

An anonymous reader writes "Famous actor Leslie Nielsen died of pneumonia at a Florida hospital Sunday evening. Leslie was renowned for his comedic roles in dozens of films and TV shows, such as The Naked Gun and Police Squad. His characteristic style and humor was always enjoyable, and he will be sorely missed." Of course you might also remember him from The Forbidden Planet, which is classic sci-fi by any measure.

Stop calling him Shirley!

[2.7182]

He was a funny guy. Bye dude!

George Zip said that?

[GregC63]

Yes, he looked at me and said, "Doc," he said, "Some time, when the crew is up against it, and the breaks are beating the boys, tell 'em to get out there and give it all they've got. And win just one for the Zipper. I don't know where I'll be then Doc, he said. But I won't smell too good, that's for sure." Airplane is still one of my top 3 movies of all time. R.I.P Leslie Neilsen

Re:It was pneumonia sadly...

[JerryQ]

Life is not a journey to the grave, with the intention of arriving in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather, to skid in broadside, totally used up, loudly proclaiming "Wow!, what a ride!"

Watched Naked Gun last night...

[seebs]

I was sad to hear that his death did not involve a banana peel, a wheelchair, and eight flights of stairs.

Re-watched Naked Gun last night. A very funny movie. The man really was brilliant. Also of interest to people who enjoyed it, "Repossessed", an Exorcist parody which uses the same actor that was the possessed girl in the original, and a few other similarly silly movies. Great use of sight gags and silly dialogue.

I think a lot of people underestimate the positive effects comedians have on our world. I've got a nasty cold, but while I was watching that movie, I was happy and not particularly bothered by the cold.

Re:Typecasting

[dogsbreath]

Nielson wasn't a "straight man". The "straight man" sets up the joke or is someone that the joke reflects off of and the "straight man" doesn't make the jokes. Nielson was the comedian with the funny lines so I don't really buy your assessment. His delivery was deadpan and serious but that again did not make him the "straight man".

It also is condescending to say he was funny only because it was unusual to see him in a comedy role. I think he had great comedic timing and delivery.

I would agree that his extensive dramatic acting experience helped him to play his comedy roles with skill and discipline, which in turn helped make him very funny. Absolutely, LN had a natural talent for comedy.