Leslie Nielsen -- Not Shirley, and More Than Just a Comic

When Leslie Nielsen passed away on Sunday, the world lost more than just the actor whose lines became catchphrases for generations of fans.  Spanning more than 50 years, Nielsen's work included both comedic and dramatic successes.

According to IMDB Nielsen landed his first acting role with ABC, when the network was still in its infancy. At ABC, he appeared in Actor's Studio, a program which featured plays acted out by well-known actors of the day.  Still an acting rookie, Nielsen appeared in "Hannah" and "Tesla the King."  Nielsen acted steadily in television, until he broke into the movies in 1956.

Nielsen's first movie role was in Ransom!, a drama which appeared in August of 1956. The film centered around the kidnapping of a child, and Nielsen played a newspaper reporter.  Later that year, Forbidden Planet was the first hit Nielsen was in.  In the science fiction mystery, Nielsen played Commander J.J. Adams.

After his movie success, Nielsen continued to act in television.  Peyton Place, Dr. Kildare, The Mod Squad, and Bob Hope Presents are just a few of the classic television series that Nielsen appeared in.  In 1978, he was featured in the Poseidon Adventure, an action film centering around what happened when an ocean liner capsized at sea.

The 80's was the decade which proved what a wonderful comedic actor Nielsen was.  Known for his jokes behind the camera, Nielsen got the chance to show his comedic chops in front of the camera.  This was the decade of two of his smash hits - Airplane! and The Naked Gun.

Nielsen continued to act steadily until his death.   His last movie was Spanish Movie, a movie spoofing the growing popularity of Latin cinema.  Nielsen played, appropriately, Dr. Nielsen.