Jim Abrahams, the innovative filmmaker who helped revolutionize comedy with hits like “Airplane!” and “The Naked Gun” series, died Tuesday at his home in Santa Monica, California. He was 80.
As part of the groundbreaking comedy trio known as ZAZ (Zucker-Abrahams-Zucker), Abrahams and his collaborators David and Jerry Zucker transformed Hollywood comedy in the 1980s with their distinctive style of rapid-fire jokes and deadpan delivery.
The group’s journey began in Madison, Wisconsin, where they founded the Kentucky Fried Theater troupe in the early 1970s. Their theatrical success led to their first feature film, “The Kentucky Fried Movie” in 1977, directed by John Landis.
Their breakthrough came with 1980’s “Airplane!” a parody of disaster films that proved to be both a critical and commercial success. The film, made on a modest budget of $3.5 million, earned $83 million worldwide. The movie featured Robert Hays and Julie Hagerty in leading roles, alongside memorable performances from Leslie Nielsen, Robert Stack, Lloyd Bridges, Peter Graves, and NBA star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
The success of “Airplane!” led to several other collaborative projects, including “Top Secret!” (1984) and “Ruthless People” (1986). The team also created the television series “Police Squad!” which, despite running for only six episodes in 1982, received Emmy nominations and later spawned the successful “Naked Gun” film franchise.
Leslie Nielsen, who had previously been known for dramatic roles, became an unlikely comedy star through his collaborations with ZAZ. The actor went on to star in all three “Naked Gun” films, appearing alongside Priscilla Presley and O.J. Simpson. The franchise included “The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear” (1991) and “Naked Gun 33⅓” (1994).
As a solo director, Abrahams continued to work in comedy, directing films such as “Hot Shots!” and its sequel “Hot Shots! Part Deux,” which parodied action films like “Top Gun.” He also directed “Jane Austen’s Mafia!” and contributed to “Scary Movie 4.”
Beyond his film career, Abrahams co-founded the Charlie Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families dealing with epilepsy. He established the foundation after his own son’s successful treatment using a ketogenic diet.
Abrahams is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Nancy Cocuzzo, his sons Joseph and Charlie, his daughter Jamie, and three grandchildren.