Comedy icon Jim Abrahams known for creating ‘Airplane!' and ‘Naked Gun’ dies at 80
SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA: Jim Abrahams, the celebrated writer-director behind iconic comedies such as 'Airplane!', 'Police Squad!', and 'The Naked Gun' series, died on Tuesday, November 26, at the age of 80.
The Hollywood Reporter reported Abrahams died of natural causes at his Santa Monica home, his son Joseph confirmed to the station.
He had been battling leukemia for 20 years, with the disease playing a contributing role in his death.
According to TMZ, his son Joseph shared that while Abrahams experienced a period of remission during his battle, the cancer returned, and he continued to fight it.
Jim Abrahams and Zucker brothers revolutionized comedy
Jim Abrahams, along with childhood friends Jerry and David Zucker, collectively known as ZAZ, redefined the comedy genre with their unique style of humor.
Their breakout film, 'Airplane!' (1980), became a massive hit, earning $83.5 million against a modest $3.5 million budget.
It was the third-highest-grossing comedy of its time and won a 1981 Writers Guild of America Award for Best Comedy Adapted from Another Medium, Daily Mail reported.
The slapstick comedy is often recognized as one of the most hilarious film genres of all time. The movie starring Leslie Neilsen features classic one-liners such as "I am serious....and don’t call me Shirley'"
Instead of casting comedians, ZAZ selected actors like Peter Graves, Lloyd Bridges, Robert Stack, and Leslie Nielsen, known for their serious roles, to deliver the film’s satirical and deadpan dialogue.
“The biggest struggle was to cast straight actors as opposed to comedians,” Abrahams noted in a 2019 interview.
“At first, Paramount was resistant to that idea. There was something very endearing about those four actors spoofing themselves in the movie,” said Abrahams in the interview as per the publication.
Jim Abrahams' early beginnings with 'The Kentucky Fried Theater'
Jim Abrahams and the Zucker brothers founded 'The Kentucky Fried Theater' in 1971 while attending the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
This venture led to their 1977 indie film debut, 'The Kentucky Fried Movie', written by Abrahams and directed by John Landis.
Its success paved the way for Landis to helm 'Animal House' the following year, according to Variety.
Abrahams’ later career included directing 'Big Business' (1988) starring Bette Midler and Lily Tomlin, and co-writing and directing 'Hot Shots!' (1991) and its 1993 sequel starring Charlie Sheen.
He also directed 'Mafia!' (1998), a parody of 'The Godfather'.
Jim Abrahams and 'ZAZ's' legacy with Leslie Nielsen
Abrahams and the Zucker brothers’ collaboration with Leslie Nielsen produced enduring classics.
Their ABC series 'Police Squad!' spoofed police procedurals and introduced Nielsen as Detective Frank Drebin.
The show’s popularity led to 'The Naked Gun' film series, including 'The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!' (1988) and two sequels.
A new installment, starring Liam Neeson as Frank Drebin Jr, is set for release in 2025.
In addition to his directorial achievements, Abrahams made small acting appearances in 'The Kentucky Fried Movie', 'Airplane!', 'Top Secret!', and 'Coming to America'. His final writing credit was for 'Scary Movie 4' in 2006.
Abrahams was married to wife, Nancy Cocuzzo and is survived by three children, daughter Jamie, sons Joseph and Charlie and grandchildren Caleb, James and Isaac.
