Leslie Nielsen Dead at 84

The Regina-born actor was best known for his roles in Airplane! and the Naked Gun series.

From humble beginnings growing up in the remote Northwest Territories village of Fort Norman, Nielsen became one of the best-loved comic actors of his generation. Comedy was not his first choice however. When he moved to New York City to pursue a career in acting, he was usually cast as a leading man in dramatic roles. Although he had some success as a dramatic actor, he didn’t truly hit his stride until his brilliant dead-pan portrayal of Dr. Rumak in Airplane!, for which he uttered the now famous tagline “Don’t call me Shirley.” Having found his gift for comedy, Nielsen went on to star in the popular Naked Gun films. Nielsen died Sunday in Fort Lauderdale, FL of complications from pneumonia.