Leslie Nielsen
A recent run of shows that didn't make it.
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.Read full biography
TV Shows
64 Tracked Shows
Other Credits
Lipshitz Saves the World (2007), Gameshow Marathon (2006), Robson Arms (2005), Tubridy Tonight (2005), Zeroman (2004), Chilly Beach (2003), Odd Job Jack (2003), Liocracy (2001), Liography (2001), The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn (1999), Harvey (1999), The Rosie O'Donnell Show (1996), Life and Times (1996), Due South (1994), The Danny Baker Show (1994), Cybermania '94 - The Ultimate Gamer Awards (1994), Katie and Orbie (1993), Terry Wogan's Friday Night (1992), Flesh 'n' Blood (1991), Evening Shade (1990), Day by Day (1988), Race for the Bomb (1987), Doris Day's Best Friends (1985), Shaping Up (1984), Prime Times (1983), Police Squad! (1982), Wogan (1982), Twilight Theater (1982), Aloha Paradise (1981), Backstairs at the White House (1979), The Littlest Hobo (1979), Lucan (1977), What Really Happened to the Class of '65? (1977), The Swiss Family Robinson (1975), Sidestreet (1975), The Manhunter (1974), The Evil Touch (1973), M*A*S*H (1972), Kung Fu (1972), Assignment: Vienna (1972), Sarge (1971), Monty Nash (1971), Bearcats! (1971), Bracken's World (1969), The Bold Ones: The Protectors (1969), The Movie Game (US) (1969), The Mod Squad (1968), Convoy (1965), National Geographic Specials (1965), The Farmer's Daughter (1963), The Art Linkletter Show (1963), Channing (1963), Moment of Fear (1960), The Swamp Fox (1959), Folio (1955), First Performance (1955), Love Story (1954), The Wonderful World of Disney (1954), General Electric Theater (1953), Medallion Theatre (1953), Short Short Dramas (1952), Hallmark Hall of Fame (1951), Goodyear Television Playhouse (1951), Out There (1951), Sure As Fate (1950), Starlight Theatre (1950), Stage 13 (1950), The Web (1950), Lights Out (1949), The Clock (1949), Actors Studio (1948)