Shirley we'll miss Leslie Nielsen

ROBERT HAYES: Surely you can't be serious!
LESLIE NIELSEN: I am serious. And don't call me Shirley.

I was in grade school when I first encountered Leslie Nielsen starring in the role of Francis Marion, the "Swamp Fox-" a legendary guerilla fighter in the American War of Independence- in a Walt Disney mini-series. He did a fine job as dramatic actor. Little did I dream that he would become best known for broad comedic roles as Officer Frank Drebben in Police Squad and the Naked Gun movies, and  as Dr. Rumack in Airplane!

As convincing as he was as a hero of the American Revolution, sight gags and outrageous comedy delivered with a straight face were the things he excelled at. Shirley he'll be missed.