Born in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, Nielsen enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force and worked as a disc jockey. Beginning with a television role in 1948, he made over 50 television appearances. In 1956 Nielsen performed in dramas, westerns, and romance films. Nielsen's performances, Forbidden Planet (1956) and The Poseidon Adventure (1972) received positive reviews as a serious actor.
While Nielsen's early performances were dramatic roles, he became best known for his comedic roles, particularly in the 1980 satire Airplane!. Nielsen played Alan Rumack, a doctor on board a plane where several passengers and pilots get food poisoning after eating fish for dinner. Nielsen said the line that would later become one of film's most memorable quote. "Don't Call me Shirley".
Nielsen was also successful with The Naked Gun film series, based on a short-lived television series Police Squad!. His portrayal of serious characters seemingly oblivious to their surroundings gave him a reputation as a comedian. His wonderful sense of humor will be missed.
It's sad that he died, he was a great actor. He will be remembered!
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