Leslie Nielsen, RIP

I learned today, with great sadness, that Leslie Nielsen has passed on. The world is a less funny place. What a terrible, terrible loss. I think they should award him a post humous Oscar for his role in 'Flying High', he is superb in it. It's one of my top 5 favorite performances.

RIP, Leslie

Made the transition to comedic acting from a long career. Tough trick. Airplane was his breakout (or breakover) film. The Naked gun series pretty well established him in the new role. His gift was that special talent for appearing sincere in ludicrous circumstances, without being like a typical straight man. I also remember a role from one of the Twilight Zone movies, where he buried a guy at low tide up to his neck on the beach. Creepy, but powerful. When I think of all the things William Hurt is NOT, I think of Leslie Nielsen. The dead pan face and mannerisms, but Nielsen has depth. You can tell you're just seeing the tip of the iceburg in his roles. The guy was a National Treasure. RIP.