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Jim Abrahams, Co-Director of ‘Airplane!’, Dies at 80
ScreenCrushStory by Matt Singer
scrn logline
Renowned comedy director Jim Abrahams, co-creator of the iconic film 'Airplane!', dies at 80, leaving behind a legacy of hilarious and influential movies.
beat sheet
- Abrahams and his 'ZAZ' comedy team, including the Zucker brothers, were known for their signature brand of chaos and absurdity, pushing the boundaries of comedy and making 20th century classics like 'Top Secret!' and 'The Naked Gun'.
- While the 'ZAZ' trio eventually went their separate ways, they remained close friends and continued to collaborate, including on an excellent oral history of 'Airplane!' that highlighted Abrahams' lifelong passion for using his platform to raise awareness and support for pediatric epilepsy.
call sheet
Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, Jerry Zucker, Peter Graves, Leslie Nielsen, Val Kilmer, Charlie Sheen, Paramount, The Kentucky Fried Theater, Airplane!, Top Secret!, Ruthless People, The Kentucky Fried Movie, The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!, Police Squad!, Hot Shots!, Big Business, Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael, Mafia!