News of Leslie Nielsen’s death has sparked sadness and sorrow throughout Hollywood as stars have come forward to pay their final respects. The longtime comedian and actor passed away on Sunday in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at the age of 84 after being treated for pneumonia. (For photos of the late funnyman throughout his career, click here.) Nicki Minaj may be known to most as a rapper, but the Young Money star has always had a knack for the craft of acting, so it wasn’t a surprise that she expressed sympathy for the Canadian-born actor’s death, tweeting, “R.I.P. Leslie Nielsen ~ one of the funniest and amazing actors of all time.” Fellow comedian Russell Brand remembered the late funnyman with a pun using the actor’s iconic line from his 1980 disaster spoof “Airplane!” tweeting, “RIP. Leslie Nielsen. Shirley, he will be missed.” Swapping out jokes for affection, “The L Word” actress Marlee Matlin wrote, “A lovely man and acquaintance passed away today – Leslie Nielsen. What a lovely, funny, talented man. He will be missed. RIP.” “Sad to hear about Leslie Nielsen passing,” “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest said on his Twitter account. “To this day ‘Airplane’ is still one of my favorite comedies ever.” Skateboard superstar Tony Hawk was grateful for the humor provided onscreen by the actor, saying, “Goodbye, Leslie Nielsen. Thank you for all the laughter. Please pay him proper respect and don’t call him Shirley.” Film critic Roger Ebert kept it simple, writing, “Leslie Nielsen, RIP,” and posting four film clips, including his screen test for “Ben Hur.” And guitarist Slash confessed that “The Naked Gun” star would be dearly missed, tweeting, “RIP Leslie Nielson, one of my all time favorite comedians. U my friend, will be missed big time. Wow, what a loss. Iii|: (,” adding, “& don’t call me Shirley.” What are your favorite Leslie Nielsen roles? Tell us in the comments below. |