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Leslie Nielsen
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…
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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.
Filmography
Movies and shows, newest first
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2016
O.J.: Made in America
Movie Self (archive footage)
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2013
Mel Brooks: Make a Noise
Movie Self (archive footage)
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2011
Stonerville
Movie Producer
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2009
Spanish Movie
Movie Doctor Nielsen
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2009
Stan Helsing
Movie Kay
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2008
Slap Shot 3: The Junior League
Movie Mayor of Charlestown
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2008
An American Carol
Movie Osama Bin Nielsen / Grandpa
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2008
Superhero Movie
Movie Uncle Albert Adams
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2007
Family Guy Presents: Blue Harvest
Movie Dr. Rumack (archive voice)
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2007
Lipshitz Saves the World
TV show Himself
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2007
Music Within
Movie Bill Austin
- 2006
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2006
Robby the Robot: Engineering a Sci-Fi Icon
Movie Self
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2006
Gameshow Marathon
TV show
-
2006
Scary Movie 4
Movie President Baxter Harris
-
2005
Robson Arms
TV show Caldo Vasco
More credits
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2005
Tubridy Tonight
TV show
-
2005
Nos Bastidores de Hollywood
Movie Self (archive footage)
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2004
The Nutcracker and the Mouseking
Movie (Mouseking) (voice)
-
2004
The Best of So Graham Norton
Movie Self (archive footage)
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2004
Zeroman
TV show Zeroman (voice)
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2003
Noël Noël
Movie Narrator (english version)
-
2003
Scary Movie 3
Movie President Harris
-
2003
Chilly Beach
TV show Santa (voice)
-
2003
Odd Job Jack
TV show
-
2002
Men with Brooms
Movie Gordon Cutter
-
2001
Chilly Dogs
Movie Clive Thorton / Cab Driver
-
2001
Liography
TV show Terrence Brynne McKennie
-
2001
Liography
TV show
-
2001
Camouflage
Movie Jack Potter
-
2000
Santa Who?
Movie Santa Claus
-
2000
2001: A Space Travesty
Movie Marshal Richard "Dick" Dix
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1999
Harvey
TV show Dr. Chumley
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1999
The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn
TV show Self
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1999
Family Guy
TV show Dr. Rumack (archive footage)
-
1998
Wrongfully Accused
Movie Ryan Harrison
-
1998
Safety Patrol!
Movie Mr. Penn
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1997
Mr. Magoo
Movie Mr. Quincy Magoo
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1997
The Wonderful World of Disney
TV show Mr. Penn
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1997
Pirates 4-D
Movie Captain Lucky
