His Father Was a Mountie
The actor’s father, Ingvard Nielsen, was a member of the world-renowned Royal Canadian Mounted Police force when the family lived in Fort Norman. As Canada’s national police force, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police oversees and enforces federal laws throughout Canada. Despite the name, the police force no longer ride horses, except at ceremonial events.
Forbidden Planet – 1956, Leslie Nielsen. Photo By Mgm/Kobal/Shutterstock
But while the Danish-born constable was respected in the police force, he didn’t have a good reputation back at home. Nielsen’s father was a strict disciplinary and was regularly abusive towards the actor and his mother. For years, Nielsen dreamed of leaving his family, and when he turned 17 years old, he did just that.