Stars including Russell Brand, Slash, Josh Groban and Nia Vardalos have led tributes to late comedy legend Leslie Nielsen, who died on Sunday.

The Naked Gun star passed away in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 12 days after he was admitted to the hospital suffering from pneumonia.  Nielsen's death has sent shockwaves through Hollywood and a number of stars have come out on Twitter.com to honor the late actor and his comedy legacy, with many citing the famous catchphrase from his 1980 movie Airplane!, "I am serious, and don't call me Shirley".

Fellow funnyman Brand paid tribute to Nielsen in a post, writing, "RIP. Leslie Nielsen. Shirley, he will be missed," while Role Models comic David Wain adds, "Can't count how many times I rewound the VHS to hear Leslie Nielsen say 'Nice Beaver!' (in The Naked Gun). I will miss him."

Slash wrote, "RIP Leslie Nielson, one of my all time favorite comedians. U (sic) my friend, will be missed big time. Wow, what a loss... & don't call me Shirley", while singer Groban admits he is stunned by the sad news, adding: "Shirley, this breaks my heart".

Vardalos adds, "RIP Leslie Nielsen. Shirley, you'll be missed," and actress Marlee Matlin, who was friends with the late star, writes, "A lovely man and acquaintance passed away today - Leslie Nielsen. What a lovely, funny, talented man. He will be missed. RIP."