'Olivier of spoofs' Leslie Nielsen dies at age 84
American-Canadian actor Leslie Nielsen died at the age of 84 due to complications from pneumonia. He is survived by his two daughters, Thea and Maura Nielsen and their family.
Dubbed as the "Olivier of spoofs," Nielsen starred in numerous popular spoof and parody films beginning with the 1980 film Airplanes! He appeared in over 100 films as well as 1,500 television programs throughout his acting career. By portraying over 220 characters, Nielsen has certainly left an indelible imprint on American comedy.
Even in his later years, Nielsen remained enthusiastic in making film.
"I'm afraid if I don't keep moving, they're going to catch me.. I am 81 years old and I want to see what's around the corner, and I don't see any reason in the world not to keep working," he said in a 2007 interview
"But I am starting to value my down time a great deal because I am realizing there might be other things to do that I am overlooking."
Nielsen became the 1,884th personality to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1998, and three years later, he was inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame.
Leslie Nielsen is best remembered for his lead role in The Naked Gun trilogy, as s Sergeant Frank Drebin. A sequel to the last film, The Naked Gun 33?: The Final Insult (1994) was announced last year under the title The Naked Gun 4: Rhythm of Evil. The flm is reportedly in the early stage of production, but it remains to be seen whether this would push through in light of Nielsen's death.
Leslie last appeared on the big screen in the 2009 comedy Stan Helsing as the waiter Kay. On television, Nielsen was last seen on the Canadian series Robson Arms. Next year, his voice will be featured on the animated movie The Water Man.