It's a sad day in my house and, I presume, in many others: the great comedic actor Leslie Nielsen has died today at the age of 84. According to the Associated Press, Nielsen passed away from complications from pneumonia, surrounded by his fourth wife and friends.
Nielsen will always be known around these parts as Frank Drebin, the main character of the horribly short-lived TV series Police Squad! and its feature film counterpart, the Naked Gun franchise. Police Squad! remains one of my favorite TV comedies of all time. (You can watch its uproarious intro sequence here.) It remains a timeless classic, once invoked by Family Guy, and that's in large part to the affable Nielsen and his ability to play the most oddball things seemingly straight except for a knowing wink or a smirk to the audience.
In everything I ever saw him in, he was not only delightfully hilarious, but he seemed the kind of guy that it'd be cool to live next door to. In my opinion, the world is a much less funny place without him around.
Nielsen is survived by his wife and two children.
Rest in piece, Leslie, and thanks for all the laughter you brought to our lives.
Brittany Frederick
DigitalAirwaves.net
Examiner.com
