Leslie Nielsen
Born on Thu, February 11, 1926
Leslie William Nielsen, OC (February 11, 1926 – November 28, 2010) was a Canadian and naturalized 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,
Airplane!
as Dr. Rumack
Superhero Movie
as Uncle Albert Adams
The Poseidon Adventure
as Captain Harrison
Forbidden Planet
as Commander John J. Adams
Mel Brooks: Make a Noise
as Self (archive footage)
Institute for Revenge
as Counselor Hollis Barnes
WWE SummerSlam 1994
as Himself