Canadian-born actor Leslie Nielsen dies aged 84

November 29, 2010

, a Canadian-born US actor, has died at the age of 84. Nielsen appeared in over 100 films in which he played several different roles ranging from romance and drama to comedy. The cause of death was announced as. His death was announced by his agent, John S. Kelly. Nielsen was in being treated for the illness at the time of his death.

Born February 11, 1926 in Regina, Saskatchewan, Nielsen started his film career in the 1950s. He starred in the science fiction film in 1956 and went to on gain several other roles including the captain in  in 1972. One of his biggest appearances was in the 1980s disaster-parody. After that appearance he gained more of a reputation as a comic actor.

One of his most notable roles came in 1988 when he played Lt. Frank Drebin in. He also appeared in the in 1991 and  in 1994.

Nielsen was the younger brother of, who was deputy prime minister of Canada from 1984 to 1986. Erik died in 2008. Leslie Nielsen is survived by his fourth wife Barbaree Earl, and his two daughters from his second marriage, Maura Nielsen Kaplan and Thea Nielsen Disney.