The 1980 comedy film “Airplane!” marked a significant pop-culture discovery, proving that non-comic actors playing straight can be hilarious. Leslie Nielsen, known for his dramatic roles, leveraged his breakout as Dr. Rumack in the movie to launch a successful comedic career. His portrayal of the character, particularly the iconic line “Don’t call me Shirley,” showcased his ability to deliver deadpan humor. This breakthrough led to Nielsen’s starring role in TV’s “Police Squad!” and three “Naked Gun” films, cementing his status as a comedy legend.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/movies/2025/07/30/naked-gun-liam-neeson-review