Jim Abrahams, the comedy genius behind classics like Airplane!, the Naked Gun films, and Police Squad!, has passed away at the age of 80. He died of natural causes on Tuesday at his home in Santa Monica, California, his son Joseph confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter.
Abrahams, along with boyhood friends Jerry and David Zucker, established the famed “ZAZ” three, which revolutionized comedy with their unique blend of absurdity and deadpan delivery. They originally rose to prominence with the 1977 sketch-comedy picture Kentucky Fried Movie, directed by John Landis, before hitting gold with Airplane! in 1980. The catastrophe film spoof, which the trio co-wrote and co-directed, became a cultural sensation, generating $83 million worldwide on a $3.5 million budget.
The film featured Robert Hays, Julie Hagerty, and Leslie Nielsen, who later became a ZAZ regular. Airplane! is remembered for its endlessly quotable lines, including the iconic exchange:
“Surely, you can’t be serious.”
“I am serious … and don’t call me Shirley.”
Nielsen starred in Police Squad! (1982), a TV series that earned Emmy nominations despite lasting only one season. It spawned the hit Naked Gun film series, beginning in 1988, with Nielsen as bumbling LAPD detective Frank Drebin. Two sequels followed: The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear (1991) and The Naked Gun 33⅓ (1994). A reboot starring Liam Neeson is set to debut in 2025, directed by Akiva Schaffer.
Abrahams and the Zucker brothers also developed Top Secret!, Ruthless People, Hot Shots!, and Hot Shots! Part Deux. Abrahams’ solo projects include Mafia! And Scary Movie 4.
Abrahams is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Nancy Cocuzzo; sons Joseph and Charlie; daughter Jamie; and three grandchildren.