Funny Man Leslie Nielsen Dies

I was so saddened to hear of the death of actor Leslie Nielsen.

Nielsen died of complications from pneumonia on Sunday at the age of 84.

He is best remembered for his role in the movie AIRPLANE! where he played some of the funniest lines in modern movie history without ever cracking a smile.

Nielsen was the quintessential “straight” man of comedy. The television series “Police Squad” inspired various NAKED GUN films, another massive feather in his acting career cap.

Again, as in AIRPLANE!, he delivered wickedly funny lines and double entendres with steadfast straight man precision. He could have you in stitches seemingly without much effort. Nielsen was THAT good.

Before we knew him as the famous funny man he became, he played serious roles. FORBIDDEN PLANET, the Sci-Fi classic is one of my favorites.

Many should watch the ocean liner disaster cult classic ”The Poseidon Adventure” to remember he played the captain of the ill fated vessel.  Good dramatic role.

But comedy was where the Canadian born actor felt most at home.

Enjoy that eternal comedy club in the sky, Funny Man. I hope you are sharing jokes with Groucho and Soupy and the best of them.

Surely, you can’t be serious.

I am serious. And don’t call me Shirley.