Jim Abrahams, a prolific film director and writer renowned for his hit slapstick comedies such as "Airplane!", "Hot Shots!", and the iconic "Naked Gun" series, passed away on Tuesday, as confirmed by his son Joseph to Variety. He was 80 years old.
Together with his childhood cronies Jerry and David Zucker, Abrahams forged the legendary filmmaking trio known as Zucker, Abrahams, and Zucker (ZAZ), revolutionizing the spoof genre of the 1980s. Their innovative works pushed the boundaries of humor and turned satire into an art form that has inspired countless comedians and filmmakers, leaving an indelible impact on the comedy landscape.
"Jim Abrahams redefined the boundaries of humor through groundbreaking works like 'Airplane!' and 'The Naked Gun' series," said Journey Gunderson, executive director of the National Comedy Center, in a heartfelt tribute. "Together with Jerry and David Zucker, he left an indelible mark on the world of comedy."
During their college days at the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1971, Abrahams and the Zucker brothers founded The Kentucky Fried Theater. This venture paved the way for their film debut with the indie sketch comedy "The Kentucky Fried Movie" in 1977, which Abrahams scripted. The film's success led to director John Landis being tapped to helm "Animal House" the following year.
The trio, affectionately known as ZAZ, continued to churn out comedic gems such as "Airplane!" in 1980, "Top Secret!" in 1984, and "Ruthless People" in 1986. "Airplane!" earned a BAFTA nomination for best screenplay and marked Leslie Nielsen's transition from dramatic star to comedic legend. Their knack for wordplay, sight gags, and non-sequiturs, coupled with Nielsen's deadpan delivery, became the hallmark of their humor.
Their ABC series "Police Squad!" starring Nielsen as Detective Frank Drebin spoofed the police procedural genre and was a huge hit, leading to the spin-off "Naked Gun" comedies. These included "The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!" (1988), "The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear" (1991), and "Naked Gun 33+1⁄3: The Final Insult" (1994). Paramount is set to release a sequel in 2025, starring Liam Neeson as Frank Drebin Jr., directed by Akiva Schaffer and penned by Seth MacFarlane.
Abrahams also directed solo projects such as "Big Business" (1988) starring Bette Midler and Lily Tomlin, "Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael" (1990) with Winona Ryder and Jeff Daniels, the "Top Gun" parody "Hot Shots!" with Charlie Sheen in 1991 and its "Rambo"-spoofing sequel in 1993, and the "Godfather" parody "Mafia!" in 1998.
His final writing credit was for "Scary Movie 4" in 2006. Additionally, Abrahams had brief acting roles in "The Kentucky Fried Movie," "Airplane!," "Top Secret!," and "Coming to America."
He is survived by his beloved wife Nancy Cocuzzo, his daughter Jamie, sons Joseph and Charlie, and grandchildren Caleb, James, and Isaac.
