The world is a little less funny now.
Actor and funnyman Leslie Nielsen passed away over the weekend, after a short battle with pneumonia. He was surrounded by his friends and family.
“We are saddened by the passing of beloved actor Leslie Nielsen, probably best remembered as Lt. Frank Drebin in The Naked Gun series of pictures, but who enjoyed a more than 60 year career in motion pictures and television,” read a statement from Nielsen’s rep.
Since news broke of Nielsen’s death, there has been an outpouring of condolences and love.
Priscilla Presley, Nielsen’s co-star in the Naked Gun movies, shared her sadness in a press release on Monday.
“I want to say how deeply stunned and saddened I am, as we all are, by the sudden passing of Leslie Nielsen,” Presley said. “Having had the great fortune of working with Leslie on several films, I know firsthand how truly generous, funny and talented he was; he was always teaching me something new and he made coming to work so much fun.”
“He was a brilliant and unique individual who was forever young at heart and he will truly be missed,” she added. “My heartfelt thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this very difficult time.“
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Other celebrities shared their memories via Twitter :
Ryan Seacrest tweeted: “Sad to hear about Leslie Nielsen passing. To this day ‘Airplane’ is still one of my favorite comedies ever.”
Marlee Matlin tweeted: A lovely man and acquaintance passed away today – Leslie Nielsen. What a lovely, funny, talented man. He will be missed. RIP.”
Russell Brand tweeted: “RIP. Leslie Nielsen. Shirley, he will be missed.”
Rocker Slash cited Nielson as: “one of my all time favorite comedians. U my friend, will be missed big time. Wow, what a loss.”
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Leslie Nielsen leaves behind his fourth wife, Barbaree Nielsen, as well as his two daughters, Thea and Maura, who he had with his second wife Sandy Ullmann.
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