I wanted to take the time today to remember an actor who has had a significant influence on my life.

Roger Ebert once called him the “Lawrence Oliver” of spoof , but I’d go one step further and say he was the King Kong of spoof comedy.

Leslie Nielsen died yesterday at the age of 84 from complications due to a pneumonia.

As a child, there was no greater actor who may have influenced my immature sense of humor other than Leslie Nielsen. From his deadpan delivery to his ability to make you believe that he had no idea about what was going on, Neilsen always portrayed a character that had a noble heart. You nearly needed oxygen after laughing so hard at him.

He is part of what I would consider one of the greatest comedies of all time, delivering some of the key one-liners from the movie “Airplane.” In memoriam, I will watch it and laugh for Leslie today. Thanks for the laughs.