Jim Abrahams was a pioneer in comedy spoofs who co-founded the Kentucky Fried Theater with Jerry and David Zucker. He wrote the script for The Kentucky Fried Movie and formed the filmmaking trio ZAZ with his childhood friends. Abrahams’ most enduring film remains Airplane!, a parody of Zero Hour! that became a huge success, followed by The Naked Gun, Hot Shots!, and leaving behind a legacy in slapstick comedies.
Early Life and Career
Jim Abrahams was born on December 3, 1944. He co-founded the Kentucky Fried Theater with Jerry and David Zucker while attending college at the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1971.
The Kentucky Fried Movie
Abrahams wrote the script for the indie sketch comedy “The Kentucky Fried Movie” in 1977, which was directed by John Landis. This marked their film debut and led to Landis directing “Animal House” after its success.
Formation of ZAZ
Abrahams formed the filmmaking trio, Zucker, Abrahams and Zucker (ZAZ), with his childhood friends Jerry and David Zucker. They popularized the spoof genre of the 1980s.
Airplane!
Abrahams’ most enduring film remains “Airplane!”, a parody of the 1957 aviation thriller “Zero Hour!”. The team bought the rights to avoid a lawsuit, and it became a huge success.
The Naked Gun
After the success of “Airplane!”, ZAZ re-enlisted with Leslie Nielsen for “The Naked Gun”, which did for detective films what “Airplane!” did for disasters. Abrahams wrote but did not direct the film.
Hot Shots!
Abrahams went on to write and direct “Hot Shots!” in 1991, a Top Gun spoof that found another deadpan maestro in Charlie Sheen. He also directed the sequel, “Hot Shots! Part Deux”, which took the Rambo movies in its sights.
Legacy
Jim Abrahams died at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy in the world of slapstick comedies. Variety’s tribute praised him for redefining the boundaries of humor and inspiring generations of comedians and filmmakers.
Personal Life
Abrahams is survived by his wife Nancy Cocuzzo, daughter Jamie, sons Joseph and Charlie, and grandchildren Caleb, James, and Isaac.
- theguardian.com | From Airplane! to The Naked Gun, Jim Abrahams was a pioneer of ...
- variety.com | Jim Abrahams Dead: Airplane, Naked Gun Comedy Icon Was 80
