Leslie Nielsen
Known for: Acting
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
Series
Family Guy
Dr. Rumack (archive footage)
1999
Series
Raw
Leslie Nielsen
1993
Series
Columbo
A.J. Henderson
1971
Series
Columbo
Peter Hamilton
1971
Series
Saturday Night Live
Self - Host
1975
Series
Bonanza
Sheriff Paul Rowan
1959
Series
Murder, She Wrote
David Everett
1984
Series
Murder, She Wrote
Captain Daniels
1984
Series
The Fugitive
Harold Cheyney
1963
Series
The Fugitive
Martin C. Rowland
1963
Series
The Love Boat
Hank Hardaway
1977
Series
The Love Boat
Russ Blanchard
1977
Series
The Love Boat
Dan Michaels
1977
Series
Wagon Train
Brian Conlin
1957
Series
Wagon Train
Jeremy Dow
1957
Series
Golden Globe Awards
Self - Host
1944
Series
Ironside
1967
Series
M*A*S*H
Col. Buzz Brighton
1972
Series
Hawaii Five-O
Brent
1968
Series
Die Harald Schmidt Show
Self
1995
Series
Robert Montgomery Presents
C. K. Dexter Haven
1950
Series
Robert Montgomery Presents
George
1950
Series
Robert Montgomery Presents
Gates Holden
1950
Series
Due South
Sgt. Buck Frobisher
1994
Series
The Alfred Hitchcock Hour
Mr. Grainger
1962
Series
Wogan
Self
1982
Series
The Virginian
John Hagen
1962
Series
The Virginian
Cleve Mason
1962
Series
The Virginian
Harry Lightfoot
1962
Series
Dr. Kildare
Walter Burton
1961
Series
Dr. Kildare
Harry Kleber
1961
Series
Naked City
Norman Garry
1958
Series
The Golden Girls
Lucas
1985
Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre
1963
Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre
John Joslin
1963
Series
Cannon
Joe Gilbert
1971
Series
Cannon
Weller Dane
1971
Series
Cannon
Erich Strasser
1971
Series
Studio One
1948
Series
Studio One
Stan Janicek
1948
Series
Studio One
Chris Jackson
1948
Series
Studio One
Dr. Clayborn
1948
Series
Studio One
Dr. Roger Waring
1948
Series
Studio One
Mac
1948
Series
Studio One
Edmund
1948
Series
Studio One
Tallman
1948
Series
Studio One
Karl
1948
Series
Rawhide
Eli Becker
1959
Series
Daniel Boone
William Russell
1964
Series
The F.B.I.
Hudson
1965
Series
The Wild Wild West
Major General Ball
1965
Series
Highway to Heaven
Richard R. Benson
1984
Series
The Big Valley
Sgt. Maj. Earl Conway
1965
Series
Barnaby Jones
Edward Brendon
1973
Series
Lights Out
1949
Series
Route 66
1960
Series
Miss USA
Self - Judge
1963
Series
Who's the Boss?
1984
Series
Fantasy Island
Doctor Whitfield
1978
Series
Night Gallery
Col. Dennis Malloy
1970
Series
Night Gallery
The Phantom (segment "Phantom of What Opera?")
1970
Series
The Name of the Game
1968
Series
Kojak
Michael Hagar
1973
Series
The Defenders
Bob Garrison
1961
Series
The Rookies
1972
Series
Gunsmoke
Jess Trevor
1955
Series
Vega$
1978
Series
Thriller
Alan Patterson
1960
Series
Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea
1964
Series
The Streets of San Francisco
1972
Series
The Streets of San Francisco
John T. Connor
1972
Series
Dinah!
Self
1974
Film
Scary Movie 3
President Baxter Harris
2003
Series
The Bob Hope Show
Self
1950
Series
Alfred Hitchcock Presents
Lloyd Ashley
1955
Series
Alfred Hitchcock Presents
Rudy Cox
1955
Film
Scary Movie 4
President Baxter Harris
2006
Series
Playhouse 90
Ralph Mohr
1956
Series
227
1985
Film
Halloween
Commander John J. Adams (archive footage)
1978
Series
Suspense
1949
Series
Suspense
Serge Soudekine
1949
Series
Folio
Biff Loman
1955
Series
The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
General Maximilian Harmon
1964
Series
Kraft Suspense Theatre
Dr. David Cord
1963
Series
Kraft Suspense Theatre
Paul Maytric
1963
Series
The Mod Squad
Rusty Bryson
1968
Series
It Takes a Thief
SIA Security Man
1968
Series
The Wonderful World of Disney
Mr. Penn
1997
Series
Judd, for the Defense
1967
Danger
1950
Series
The Ray Bradbury Theater
Fantoccini
1985
Series
Herman's Head
God
1991
Series
Tales of Tomorrow
1951
Series
Tales of Tomorrow
Harold 'Harry' Mason
1951
Series
The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn
Self
1999
Film
Airplane!
Dr. Rumack
1980
Series
Finder of Lost Loves
Matthew Vail
1984
Series
MGM Parade
Self
1955
Series
Cimarron Strip
1967
Series
The New Breed
Lt. Price Adams
1961
Series
Goodyear Television Playhouse
1951
Series
Robson Arms
Caldo Vasco
2005
Film
The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!
Frank Drebin
1988
Series
Evening Shade
1990
Series
The Bold Ones: The New Doctors
Mr. Cummings
1969
Series
The Farmer's Daughter
1963
Series
The Littlest Hobo
Mayor Chester Montgomery
1979
Series
The Wonderful World of Disney
Colonel Francis Marion
1954
Series
The Wonderful World of Disney
Col. Francis Marion
1954
Series
S.W.A.T.
1975
Film
Superhero Movie
Uncle Albert Adams
2008
Series
Channing
Prof. Paul Stafford
1963
Series
The Rosie O'Donnell Show
Self
1996
Film
Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult
Lt. Frank Drebin
1994
Series
Police Squad!
Lt. Frank Drebin
1982
Series
Bracken's World
1969
Series
The Manhunter
1974
Series
Day by Day
Jack Harper
1988
Film
The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear
Lt. Frank Drebin
1991
Series
Sidestreet
1975
Series
What Really Happened to the Class of '65?
1977
Film
Forbidden Planet
Commander John J. Adams
1956
Series
The Swiss Family Robinson
1975
Film
The Poseidon Adventure
Captain Harrison
1972
Series
Hallmark Hall of Fame
1951
Series
The Evil Touch
1973
Series
Monty Nash
Ross Carter
1971
Film
Spy Hard
Dick Steele
1996
Series
Lucan
1977
Film
Dracula: Dead and Loving It
Count Dracula
1995
Series
Backstairs at the White House
Ike Hoover
1979
Film
Creepshow
Richard Vickers (segment "Something To Tide You Over")
1982
Terry Wogan's Friday Night
Self
1992
Series
Odd Job Jack
2003
Film
Prom Night
Mr. Hammond
1980
Series
National Geographic Specials
Narrator (voice)
1965
Series
General Electric Theater
Judge Wayne Douglas
1953
Series
General Electric Theater
Edward Morgan
1953
Film
Mr. Magoo
Mr. Quincy Magoo
1997
Series
Sarge
1971
Film
Camouflage
Jack Potter
2001
Film
Family Guy Presents: Blue Harvest
Dr. Rumack (archive voice)
2007
Film
Nos Bastidores de Hollywood
Self (archive footage)
2005
Film
Soul Man
Mr. Dunbar
1986
Series
Chilly Beach
Santa (voice)
2003
Film
Stan Helsing
Kay
2009
Actors Studio
1948
Flesh 'n' Blood
Red Houser
1991
Film
All I Want For Christmas
Santa
1991
Series
Bearcats!
Col. Ted Donovan
1971
Convoy
1965
Film
Wrongfully Accused
Ryan Harrison
1998
Film
Repossessed
Father Jebedaiah Mayii
1990
Series
Medallion Theatre
1953
Series
The Swamp Fox
Francis Marion (The Swamp Fox)
1959
Life and Times
1996
Series
Aloha Paradise
Grant Culberson
1981
Series
Gameshow Marathon
2006
Film
The Sheepman
Stephen Bedford / Johnny Bledsoe
1958
Film
Trial Run
Jason Harkness
1969
Film
Men with Brooms
Gordon Cutter
2002
Series
Zeroman
Zeroman (voice)
2004
Film
Rosie!
Cabot Shaw
1967
Film
Nuts
Allen Green
1987
The Web
1950
Film
An American Carol
Osama Bin Nielsen / Grandpa
2008
Film
The Opposite Sex
Steve Hilliard
1956
Film
Surf Ninjas
Colonel Chi
1993
Series
Assignment: Vienna
Floyd Macklin
1972
Film
Beau Geste
Lt. De Ruse
1966
Series
Katie and Orbie
Narrator
1993
Film
The Aquarians
Official
1970
Film
Dark Possession
Dr. Roger Waring
1954
First Performance
Ted
1955
Film
Viva Knievel!
Stanley Millard
1977
Film
2001: A Space Travesty
Richard 'Dick' Dix
2000
Film
Music Within
Bill Austin
2007
Film
Foxfire Light
Reece Morgan
1982
Film
Counterpoint
Victor Rice
1967
Film
Little Mo
Nelson Fisher
1978
Film
Spanish Movie
Doctor Nielsen
2009
Sure As Fate
1950
Harvey
Dr. Chumley
1999
Film
The Letters
Derek Childs
1973
Prime Times
Self
1983
Film
Snatched
Bill Sutter
1973
Film
Gunfight in Abilene
Grant Evers
1967
Film
The Vagabond King
Thibault d'Aussigny
1956
Film
Change of Mind
Sheriff Webb
1969
Film
Harlow
Richard Manley
1965
The Danny Baker Show
1994
Series
The Bold Ones: The Protectors
Deputy Police Chief Sam Danforth
1969
Film
Masters of Illusion: The Wizards of Special Effects
Self
1994
Film
City on Fire
Mayor William Dudley
1979
Film
Santa Who?
Santa Claus
2000
Lipshitz Saves the World
Himself
2007
Film
O.J.: Made in America
Self (archive footage)
2016
Film
Slap Shot 3: The Junior League
Mayor of Charlestown
2008
Film
Dangerous Curves
Greg Krevske
1988
Film
WWE SummerSlam 1994
Himself
1994
Series
Kung Fu
Vincent Corbino
1972
Film
Rent-a-Kid
Harry Haber
1995
Race for the Bomb
Lewis Strauss
1987
Film
The Plainsman
Col. George Armstrong Custer
1966
Film
Twilight Theatre
1982
Liography
Terrence Brynne McKennie
2001
Film
The Amsterdam Kill
Riley Knight
1977
Film
Riel
Major Leif Newry Fitzroy Crozier
1979
Film
Back to the Future (Part II): Behind-the-Scenes Special Presentation
Host
1989
Film
Reckless Disregard
Bob Franklin
1985
Film
How to Steal the World
General Maximilian Harmon
1968
Film
Dark Intruder
Brett Kingsford
1965
Film
Wrong Is Right
Mallory
1982
Out There
1951
Dayton's Devils
Frank Dayton
1968
Film
Ransom!
Charlie Telfer
1956
Film
Chilly Dogs
Clive Thorton / Cab Driver
2001
The Clock
David Kyle
1949
Film
Family Plan
Harry Haber
1997
Film
The Reluctant Astronaut
Major Fred Gifford
1967
Starlight Theatre
1950
Film
Mel Brooks: Make a Noise
Self (archive footage)
2013
Liocracy
2001
Film
Day of the Animals
Paul Jenson
1977
Film
Home Is Where the Hart Is
Sheriff Nashville Schwartz
1987
Film
Stonerville
Producer
2011
Film
Tammy and the Bachelor
Peter Brent
1957
Film
Harvey
Dr. Chumley
1996
Film
The Night the Bridge Fell Down
Paul Warren
1980
Film
The Resurrection of Zachary Wheeler
Harry Walsh
1971
Film
The Nutcracker and the Mouseking
(Mouseking) (voice)
2004
Film
Safety Patrol!
Mr. Penn
1998
Film
S.P.Q.R.: 2,000 and a Half Years Ago
Lucio Cinico
1994
Moment of Fear
1960
Film
Digger
Arthur Evrensel
1993
Film
...and millions will die!
Jack Gallagher
1973
Film
Brinks: The Great Robbery
Agent Norman Houston
1976
Film
Robby the Robot: Engineering a Sci-Fi Icon
Self
2006
The Movie Game (US)
1969
Shaping Up
Buddy Fox
1984
Film
Striker's Mountain
Jim McKay
1985
Film
The Patriot
Admiral Frazer
1986
Film
Cocoon
Brent
1968
Love Story
1954
Film
Fatal Confession: A Father Dowling Mystery
Senator Erdain
1987
Film
Chance of a Lifetime
Lloyd Dixon
1991
Film
The Canadian Conspiracy
Self
1986
Film
How to Commit Marriage
Phil Fletcher
1969
Film
Nightstick
Thad Evans
1987
Film
Spaceship
Capt. Jamieson
1983
Film
Amazing! Exploring the Far Reaches of Forbidden Planet
Self
2006
Film
Companions in Nightmare
Dr. Neesden
1968
Film
They Call It Murder
1971
Film
Shadow Over Elveron
Sheriff Verne Drover
1968
Film
Journey to the Outer Limits
(voice)
1973
Short Short Dramas
1952
Film
The Velvet Alley
Eddie Kirkley
1959
Doris Day's Best Friends
1985
Film
The Battle of Gettysburg
Narrator (voice)
1955
Film
Incident in San Francisco
Lt. Brubaker
1971
Film
The Railway Dragon
Narrator (voice)
1989
Stage 13
1950
Film
Night Slaves
Sheriff Henshaw
1970
Institute for Revenge
Counselor Hollis Barnes
1979
Film
Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree
Baxter
1995
Film
Night Train to Paris
Alan Holiday
1964
Film
Can Ellen Be Saved?
Arnold Lindsey
1974
Film
Deadlock
Lt. Sam Danforth
1969
Film
Hot Summer Night
William Joel Partain
1957
Film
An Audience with Jimmy Tarbuck
Self - Audience Member
1994
Film
Four Rode Out
Mr Brown
1969
Cybermania '94 - The Ultimate Gamer Awards
Host
1994
The Art Linkletter Show
1963
Film
See How They Run
Elliot Green
1964
Tubridy Tonight
2005
Film
Project: Kill
John Trevor
1976
Twilight Theater
1982
Film
Hauser's Memory
Joseph Slaughter
1970
Film
The Unknown Marx Brothers
Self - Narrator
1993
Film
OHMS
Governor
1980
Film
Noël Noël
Narrator (english version)
2003
Film
Code Name: Heraclitus
Fryer
1967
Film
Sixth and Main
John Doe
1977
Film
The Return of Charlie Chan
Alexander Hadrachi
1973
Film
Blade in Hong Kong
Harry Ingersoll
1985
Film
Cave-In!
Joe Johnson
1983
Grand Jury
John Williams
1977
Film
The Dawson Patrol
Narrator
1977
Film
The Boy Who Flew with Condors
Narrator
1967
Film
Leslie Nielsen's Bad Golf Made Easier
Himself
1993
Film
The Wild Heart
Narrator
1968
Film
Amanda Fallon
Mr. Cummings
1973
Film
The Outlaw Cats of Colossal Cave
Narrator
1975
Film
Leslie Nielsen's Bad Golf My Way
Leslie Nielsen
1994
Film
Threshold: The Blue Angels Experience
Self - Narrator (voice)
1975
Film
The Lost Will of Dr. Rant
Bill
1951
Film
Leslie Nielsen's Stupid Little Golf Video
Himself
1997
King of the Underwater World
Self/Narrator
1975
Film
World's Funniest Commercials
1994
Film
Dive to the Edge of Creation
Self - Narrator
1980