'Airplane!' Actor Leslie Nielsen Passes Away, Thanksgiving Celebrity Births, Anne Hathaway and James Franco to Cohost 2011 Oscars

Leslie Nielsen Passes Away

When my mother texted me last night to tell me that actor Leslie Nielsen had died, I responded with surprise and sadness. However, in my head, my reply went something like this:

"Surely you can't be serious?"

"I am serious. . .And don't call me Shirley."

Inappropriate? Maybe. However, as in many households, Leslie Nielsen was a staple in ours.

E! News reported that Nielsen, 84, died Sunday afternoon due to complications from pneumonia. Though Nielsen is most remembered for his comedic roles in Airplane! and The Naked Gun trilogy, he started his career as a serious actor in film and television. It was only at age 54 that Nielsen found his true calling as a comedic actor with the 1980 film Airplane!. After that, Nielsen did his best to keep audiences laughing, working in a variety of films and television up until his death.

Perhaps my inner monologue isn't so inappropriate after all. Maybe it's just the right thing to celebrate Nielsen. Want to reminisce with some more Nielsen quotes? Laugh away here.

Birth Announcements

On a lighter note, the Thanksgiving holiday brought two new bundles of joy to two ladies of fashion.

Project Runway judge and fashion editor for Marie Claire Nina Garcia welcomed her second son over the weekend, named Alexander David Conrod. Little Alexander joins Garcia's three-and-a-half-year-old son Lucas.

Stella McCartney, designer and daughter of Beatles icon Paul McCartney, gave birth to daughter Reiley on Nov. 23. Reiley makes four for McCartney and her husband Alasdhair Willis; she joins siblings Miller Alasdhair James, 5; Bailey Linda Olwyn, 4; and Beckett Robert Lee, not quite 3.

Congratulations, ladies!

Oscars News

Yes, it's that time of year again: time to prep for the Academy Awards! E! News has reported that the final word is in: Anne Hathaway and James Franco will co-host the 83rd Academy Awards on Feb. 27.

The pairing should be a lot of fun to watch, particularly Hathaway. Ever since the actress joined host Hugh Jackman in a sing-along two years ago, I thought she should have a go at the hosting chair. Combined with Franco's comedic ease, it looks like the duo should be quite entertaining.

Brandi Fowler, Airplane! Star Leslie Nielsen Dead at 84, E!Online

Gina Serpe, Oh, Boy: Motherhood Back in Fashion for Nina Garcia, E!Online

Marianne Garvey and Lisa Ingrassia, Stella McCartney Welcomes Baby No.4: It's a Girl!, E!Online

Marc Malkin, Anne Hathaway and James Franco Hosting the Oscars, E!Online