Leslie Nielsen

100 years old Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

Leslie William Nielsen (February 11, 1926 – November 28, 2010) was a Canadian-American actor and comedian. Nielsen appeared in over one hundred films and 1,500 television programs over the span of his career, portraying over 220 characters. Born in Regina, Saskatchewan, Nielsen enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force and worked as a disc jockey before receiving a scholarship to Neighborhood Playhouse. Making his television debut in 1948, he quickly expanded to over 50 television appearances two years later. Nielsen made his film debut in 1956, and began collecting roles in dramas, westerns, and romance films. Nielsen's performances in the films Forbidden Planet (1956) and The Poseidon Adventure (1972) received positive reviews as a serious actor, though he is primarily known for his comedic roles.

Although Nielsen's acting career crossed a variety of genres in both television and films, his deadpan delivery in Airplane! (1980) marked a turning point in his career, one that would make him, in the words of film critic Roger Ebert, "the Olivier of spoofs." Nielsen enjoyed further success with The Naked Gun film series (1988 – 1994), based on a short-lived television series Police Squad! in which he starred earlier. His portrayal of serious characters seemingly oblivious to (and complicit in) their absurd surroundings gave him a reputation as a comedian. In the final years of his career, Nielsen appeared in multiple spoof and parody films, many of which were met poorly by critics, but performed well in box office and home media releases. Nielsen married four times and had two daughters from his second marriage. He was recognized with a variety of awards throughout his career, and was inducted into the Canada and Hollywood Walks of Fame.

Recent movies

# Name Character Rating
1 O.J.: Made in America (2016) Self (archive footage) 10
2 Stan Helsing (2009) Kay 2.7
3 Spanish Movie (2009) Doctor Nielsen 4
4 An American Carol (2008) Osama Bin Nielsen / Grandpa 10
5 Superhero Movie (2008) Uncle Albert Adams 4.7
6 Music Within (2007) Bill Austin 6.5
7 Family Guy Presents: Blue Harvest (2007) Dr. Rumack (archive voice) 7.2
8 Scary Movie 4 (2006) President Baxter Harris 5.3
9 Scary Movie 3 (2003) President Baxter Harris 5.6
10 Men with Brooms (2002) Gordon Cutter 10
11 Camouflage (2001) Jack Potter -
12 Santa Who? (2000) Santa Claus 7
13 2001: A Space Travesty (2000) Richard 'Dick' Dix 3
14 Wrongfully Accused (1998) Ryan Harrison 6.8
15 Family Plan (1997) Harry Haber 8
16 Mr. Magoo (1997) Mr. Quincy Magoo 4.7
17 Spy Hard (1996) Dick Steele 6.2
18 Dracula: Dead and Loving It (1995) Count Dracula 5.4
19 S.P.Q.R.: 2,000 and a Half Years Ago (1994) Lucio Cinico 4
20 An Audience with Jimmy Tarbuck (1994) Self - Audience Member -
21 Naked Gun 33â…“: The Final Insult (1994) Lt. Frank Drebin 6.9
22 Surf Ninjas (1993) Colonel Chi 5.5
23 All I Want For Christmas (1991) Santa 5
24 The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear (1991) Lt. Frank Drebin 7.4
25 Repossessed (1990) Father Jebedaiah Mayii 7.7
26 The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! (1988) Frank Drebin 7.6
27 Dangerous Curves (1988) Greg Krevske -
28 Nuts (1987) Allen Green 7
29 Soul Man (1986) Mr. Dunbar 6.5
30 Spaceship (1983) Capt. Jamieson 8
31 Creepshow (1982) Richard Vickers (segment "Something To Tide You Over") 7.2
32 Airplane! (1980) Dr. Rumack 7.8
33 Prom Night (1980) Mr. Hammond 6.1
34 City on Fire (1979) Mayor William Dudley 2
35 Day of the Animals (1977) Paul Jenson 7
36 Journey to the Outer Limits (1973) (voice) -
37 Snatched (1973) Bill Sutter -
38 The Letters (1973) Derek Childs 6
39 The Poseidon Adventure (1972) Captain Harrison 7.3
40 Change of Mind (1969) Sheriff Webb -
41 Tammy and the Bachelor (1957) Peter Brent -
42 Forbidden Planet (1956) Commander John J. Adams 7.1