Leslie Nielson Net Worth
Leslie Nielson was a Canadian actor who passed away at 84. Known as an comedic performer who appeared in The Naked Gun franchise and Airplane!, Leslie’s deadpan delivery made his oblivious characters more realistic. Additionally, William Girdler made him famous with his 1977 horror film Day of the Animals when he played Arrogant Advertising Executive turned Bear Wrestling Psychopath Paul Jenson – one of his more memorable roles!
Born February 11, 1926 in Regina, Saskatchewan to Welsh mother and Royal Canadian Mounted Police constable father, his half-uncle was an influential comedian who inspired him to want to become an actor. After graduating Victoria High School he served in World War II before working at radio stations before receiving a scholarship at Neighborhood Playhouse to study theater. Making his acting debut as soon as 1950 appearing on over 46 television programs a year.
In 1956, Nielsen signed with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) studio and began appearing in movies under their production company. He quickly found success when paired with actress Debbie Reynolds; their films became massive hits which encouraged him to sign an extended deal with MGM.
Through the 1960s and 1970s, he made numerous western, drama and TV movies; as well as TV series such as Justice, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea Wagon Train Gunsmoke Virginian Wild West as a guest star. Additionally he played one of the lead characters for Hawaii Five-O pilot.
Nielson was an active charity worker and involved with the Better Hearing Institute. He donated money to aid children who had trouble hearing, while working to reduce drug abuse in schools and communities. For his efforts he received both an honorable mention on Hollywood Walk of Fame as well as UCLA’s Jack Benny Award.
He married four times: first to American nightclub singer Monica Boyar in 1950; the two divorced six years later. Next, in 1958 he wed Alisande Ullman; this union produced two daughters named Maura and Thea Nielsen. Later remarrying Brooks Oliver but that union ended shortly afterwards; finally in 2001 he married Barbaree Earl as his fifth spouse.
Nielson died at Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on November 28, 2010. He is survived by his wife Barbaree and two brothers Erik and Gilbert Nielsen as well as an array of family members including Cody and Jordan as grandchildren. As a practicing Catholic who supported Roman Catholic Church he also enjoyed golfing and collecting baseball memorabilia – although later life his health issues included diabetes, heart disease and dementia; He frequently appeared as a guest on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno; appearing in several Coca-Cola commercials as well as Academy membership; finally resting peacefully at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Los Angeles Cemetery