As you have already heard a bunch of times, but just in case you haven’t, I’ll crib TMZ.com
Legendary funny man Leslie Nielsen died today of complications of pneumonia in a hospital near his home in Fort Lauderdale, this according to his agent. He was 84. His agent tells TMZ Nielsen passed surrounded by his wife and friends at about 5:34 PM ET. Nielsen was best known for his roles in “Airplane” and the “Naked Gun” series.
Indeed this is rather sad. He’s one of the funniest men of our generation. And he gave us possibly the best ’80s movie musical montage (certainly the best sports movie musical montage of all time). You remember the 80s? and those “music videos” in the middle of movies used to show the passage of time? Having a bunch of stuff happen at once in order to rapidly advance the plot; all set to a catchy jingle.
Well before the L.A. Lakers became annoying with their incessant winning and subsequent ring ceremonies and celebrations, Randy Newman’s “I love L.A.” had a special place in my heart. Today, the song’s been corrupted a bit, but it doesn’t take anything away from the great work of Mr. Nielsen here