November 26th 2024.
Iconic filmmaker Jim Abrahams has passed away at the age of 80. He was known for his hilarious and irreverent comedies such as Naked Gun and Airplane! His son Joseph confirmed his passing to The Hollywood Reporter, revealing that Abrahams died peacefully at his home in Santa Monica from natural causes.
Abrahams was a legend in the film industry, not only for his writing and directing talents but also for his collaborations with brothers Jerry and David Zucker. Together, they were known as ZAZ and their partnership resulted in some of Abrahams' most iconic works.
One of their most successful films was Airplane!, a spoof movie that earned them a Bafta award for Best Screenplay. Starring the late Leslie Nielsen, the film grossed an impressive $83.5 million, despite having a budget of only $3.5 million. This made it one of the top-grossing comedies of its time.
Abrahams' first film with the Zucker brothers was Kentucky Fried Movie in 1977, but their friendship dates back much further. They all grew up together in Wisconsin and their bond was evident in their collaborations on Top Secret! in 1984 and Ruthless People in 1986, which featured stars like Danny DeVito and Bette Midler.
Their films were known for their ridiculous and over-the-top style, poking fun at everything and everyone. This was especially evident in Airplane!, which was based on the film Zero Hour! and featured a World War II pilot facing his fear of flying when the crew falls ill after eating fish.
One of the most memorable moments from Airplane! was the exchange between Rumack and Ted Striker, when Rumack asks if Ted can fly and land the plane. When Ted responds with "Surely you can't be serious," Rumack famously replies with "I am serious... and don't call me Shirley."
Abrahams also had success on his own, working on films like Big Business, Hot Shots!, and its sequel Hot Shots! Part Deux. He continued to showcase his talent for parody and comedy, even working with Charlie Sheen on the Hot Shots! films.
Abrahams' legacy will live on through his timeless and beloved films. If you have any stories, videos, or pictures related to him, please share them with us by emailing us or visiting our Submit Stuff page. We would love to hear from you.
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