In late 1979, was an actor almost forgotten, although this will change soon, thanks to three young directors: David Zucker, Jim Abrahams and Jerry Zucker, the group known as ZAZ.

In 1980 opens with the ZAZ absurd comedy " Airplane! "playing with great success to Dr. Rumack expressionless. The secret of the comedy that made history is to use serious actors who had never acted in comedies. Leslie Nielsen was known as the guy to good jokes, but his comedic talent was not developed in the film until the premiere of this film. With Airplane!, Recovered and even enjoyed greater popularity.

In 1982, reunites with the ZAZ in the television series Police Squad ("Police Squad!"), where he plays the bumbling police lieutenant Frank Drebin. He predicted success, however, when the truth, failed, as there was a great competition with other series already established on the screen. Lasted only six episodes, despite having very good reviews and being nominated for an Emmy.

After the disappointment at the cancellation of the series, only played a leading role in the drama Mad, along with Barbra Streisand.

In 1988 and hand ZAZ group, opens " The Naked Gun "(The Naked Gun, Naked Gun in Spain and in Latin America and where is the police?), which is a huge success in raising and criticism. Leslie Nielsen returning to play the bumbling Lt. Frank Drebin after the failure of the series. His co-stars in the film were Priscilla Presley, George Kennedy and OJ Simpson.

During the nineties, made two film sequels and became one of the most popular comedians in the world. Was honored to participate in the last two chapters of the legendary series " The Golden Girls "(The Golden Girls), where he marries the character played by Bea Arthur. He also participated in several episodes of the series " Murder, She Wrote It '.


Nielsen in 1982.
In 1998, working again with the writer of "The Naked Gun", Pat Proft, in " Wrongfully Accused "parody films The Fugitive and Titanic, among others.

In 2000, stars in " 2001: A Space Travesty "which, he says, is the worst film in which he worked.

In 2003 David Zucker returns to call to participate in Scary Movie 3. Nielsen and Zucker to meet again in a film nine years later. After months of shooting that film, lends his voice to an animated series called Zeroman for Canadian television.

Later signed to play supporting roles in Scary Movie 4 and Superhero Movie.