Jim Abrahams, who pioneered spoof comedy films like Airplane and Naked Gun, dead at 80
Jim Abrahams, a comedic genius known for creating wacky, slapstick classics such as “Airplane” and the “Naked Gun” series, passed away at the age of 80 at his home in Santa Monica, California. His son Joseph confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter.
Abrahams, along with brothers Jerry and David Zucker, formed the filmmaking trio known as “ZAZ” and pioneered the spoof comedy genre. Their style was characterized by outrageous physical comedy, sight gags, double entendres, and endless puns, cementing their legacy in the world of comedy.
Born in Shorewood, Wisconsin, in 1944, Abrahams studied at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he met the Zucker brothers. The trio began their careers on stage with a sketch-revue show called “Kentucky Fried Theatre,” which later evolved into their first film, 1977’s “Kentucky Fried Movie.”
However, it was their second film, “Airplane,” that truly put them on the map. A parody of disaster films, “Airplane” drew inspiration from the 1957 movie “Zero Hour!” and featured a former military pilot tasked with landing a commercial plane after the crew falls ill from food poisoning. Packed with rapid-fire jokes and iconic lines like “Don’t call me Shirley,” the film was both a critical and commercial success.
The Library of Congress recognized “Airplane” in 2010 for its cultural significance, solidifying its place as one of the greatest comedy films of all time. Fans of Abrahams’ work took to social media to pay tribute to the filmmaker, sharing memorable scenes from his films.
Following the success of “Airplane,” ZAZ created the short-lived TV series “Police Squad” in 1982, which later inspired the “Naked Gun” film series starring Leslie Nielsen as bumbling detective Frank Drebin. Abrahams served as a writer and executive producer on the first film, “The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad,” and continued as an executive producer on the sequels.
In addition to the “Naked Gun” series, ZAZ’s filmography includes the absurd musical “Top Secret” and Abrahams’ solo projects like “Hot Shots!” and “Mafia!” Throughout his career, Abrahams brought laughter and joy to audiences around the world, leaving behind a legacy of timeless comedy.
