Leslie Nielsen dies at 84

Naked Gun star passes away after pneumonia complications

by Amber Wilkinson

Comic actor Leslie Nielsen has died at 84, his agent has told the press.

The star, who was best known for his role as hapless detective Frank Drebin in Police Squad and Naked Gun, passed away in hospital near his home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. His nephew Doug Nielsen told Canadian radio station CJOB that the Canadian-born star died from complications of pneumonia.

His career - which spanned more than five decades and more than 200 films - began with dramatic roles but he later became famous for his comedy deadpan and timing, after appearing in hit spoof Airplane!

We'll be bringing you a full obituary in due course.

Share this with others on...

Movies out this week include:

Is This Thing On? Nouvelle Vague Primate Rabbit Trap
News

Home truths Marijana Janković on Balkan representation, and the immigrant question of belonging

The division belle Suzannah Herbert on facing the US' troubled history and making Natchez

Spin-off alchemy Claude Schmitz on bringing back cop pairing for Conrad & Crab – Idiotic Gems

Past crime Christoffer Boe on creating a world for his period mystery Special Unit - The First Murder

It Was Just An Accident screenwriter arrested in Iran Jafar Panahi speaks out

Sundance announces winners Josephine, Nuisance Bear, Shame And Money and To Hold A Mountain take top prizes

More news and features

Interact

As we move into 2026, don't forget that you can follow us on YouTube for trailers of festival films and more. You can also find us on Mastodon and Bluesky.

With awards season in full flow, you can keep track of the latest news on that here:

César nominations Nouvelle Vague leads the race for France's biggest awards

BAFTA nominations One Battle After Another and Sinners almost neck and neck

Critics' Circle Awards One Battle After Another wins fight

Oscars Sinners dominates the nominations