Sad news tonight as I have to announce that Canadian Actor Leslie Nielsen has passed away after complications with pneumonia. He was 84 years old.

The National Post reports:

Veteran comedian and actor Leslie Nielsen has died in a Florida hospital, his family confirmed to Global News on Sunday evening. The Canadian actor was 84.

Nielsen rose to fame with roles in the Airplane and Naked Gun film franchises. He had apparently been suffering from pneumonia for more than a week.

The man had a full and satisfying career, and will always be remembered as the witless hero of the Naked Gun films from an era where Spoof Movies were classy and clever entertainment sources instead of the sad excuse for spoof films in more recent history. Sadly his popularity in those great spoof films extended into the current run as he played an Uncle Ben like character in Superhero Movie.

Naked Gun 4: Rhythm of Evil was in early pre-production and Nielsen was expected to reprise his role. I would have hoped it could represent the return of truly clever spoof movies.

Nielsen will be missed, and one of the greats has moved on.

And no sir, I won’t be calling you Shirley.

Rest in Peace Mr Neilsen.