Naked Gun star Leslie Nielsen dies, aged 84

DESPITE decades spent playing sober commanders and serious captains, Leslie Nielsen insisted that he was always made for comedy. He proved it in his career’s second act.

“Surely you can’t be serious,” an airline passenger says to Nielsen in Airplane!, the 1980 hit that turned the actor from dramatic leading man to comic star.

“I am serious,” Nielsen replies. “And don’t call me Shirley.”