Film legend Leslie Nielsen has passed away at a hospital near his home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida after a battle with pneumonia. Canadian-born Nielsen, 84, is best known for his comedic roles in the 1980 classic Airplane! along with the Naked Gun series of the late 80s and early 90s. A statement from Nielsen’s publicist confirms the news, along with the fact that he was surrounded by his family and friends.

Actor Leslie Nielsen passed away today at a Ft. Lauderdale, Florida hospital, according to his agent John S. Kelly. He died of complications from pneumonia at the age of 84.

Born on February 11, 1926, Nielsen is most known for his roles in comedies such as Airplane! and “The Naked Gun” films.

His agent sent out the following statement:

We are saddened by the passing of beloved actor Leslie Nielsen, probably best remembered as Lt. Frank Drebin in THE NAKED GUN series of pictures, but who enjoyed a more than 60 year career in motion pictures and television.”

Mr. Nielsen, 84, died of complications of pneumonia in a hospital near his home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, surrounded by his lovely wife and dear friends at 5:34pm EST today.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his name to the charity of your choice.

Nielsen appeared in over 100 films, including Forbidden Planet and The Poseidon Adventure, as well as over 1,500 TV programs during his career.

[From Comingsoon.net]

This is sad! RIP Leslie. Thank you for bringing us so much joy and laughter throughout the years. Surely you will be fondly remembered and missed.

Here are some clips from “Airplane” and “The Naked Gun” featuring Nielsen. The Guardian has a more thorough clip montage of Nielsen’s work.

And here’s a segment from The Today Show remembering Nielsen

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photo credit: WENN.com