"Surely you can't be serious."

"I am serious...and don't call me Shirley." - Dr. Rumack, "Airplane"

If you are my age, or around my age, or older, or a fan of really good movies, then you know that quote. You know it's from the classic spoof film "Airplane", and you know it was uttered by one of the greatest comedic actors of our generation, Leslie Nielsen. Leslie Nielsen died yesterday at the age of 84. For many, Nielsen will be remembered as Lt. Frank Drebin of Police Squad in the "Naked Gun" movies, or as Dr. Rumack in "Airplane". What many don't know is he started his career as a leading man in many more serious roles. If you read his bio on IMDB, you'll see that the man literally had a part in making well over 100 movies and TV shows.

"It's true what they say: Cops and women don't mix. It's like eating a spoonful of Drano; sure, it'll clean you out, but it'll leave you hollow inside." - Lt. Frank Drebin, "Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad"

In his later years, following the "Naked Gun" movies, Nielsen made several more spoof films. While I never enjoyed them as much as I did "Airplane" and "Naked Gun", Leslie Nielsen was always great, even in lesser roles. Today this world is a much more serious place with the passing of Leslie Nielsen. Fortunately, his deadpan humor will live on forever in the movies he made and the fans he picked up along the way.

"I just want to tell you both good luck, we're all counting on you." - Dr. Rumack, "Airplane" and President Harris, "Scary Movie 3"