Jim Abrahams, comedy icon behind "Airplane!", dies at 80
Jim Abrahams, co-creator of hits such as "The Naked Gun" and "Airplane!", has died at the age of 80. His son confirmed the news.
Jim Abrahams, a renowned American screenwriter, director and producer, passed away in Santa Monica, California. The cause of death was natural causes, as reported by his son in an interview with "The Hollywood Reporter". Abrahams was 80 years old.
Classic comedies still entertain
Jim Abrahams and brothers Jerry and David Zucker revolutionised the comedy genre. Their joint works, such as "Airplane!", "Police Squad!" and the "The Naked Gun" series featuring Leslie Nielsen, became classics. "Airplane!", a disaster comedy from 1980, is considered one of the best comedies of all time, as highlighted by "The Guardian". It is a parody of disaster films. The crew of Trans American Airlines becomes ill after eating spoiled fish, and the only one who can land the plane is former pilot Ted Striker, who is afraid to fly. The stewardess, his ex-girlfriend, aids him.
Abrahams also co-wrote the scripts for films such as "Top Secret!", "The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!" and "Scary Movie 4." He directed productions like "First Do No Harm," which was nominated for a Golden Globe for Meryl Streep's role, and "Jane Austen's Mafia!"
Apart from his work in Hollywood, Abrahams was involved in charitable activities. Together with his wife, he founded an organisation dedicated to raising awareness about the treatment of epilepsy, inspired by his son's condition. The foundation has been operating for 30 years.
The return of "The Naked Gun"
It's worth mentioning that Paramount is preparing a new version of the famous comedy "The Naked Gun", which had three instalments. It is already known that Frank Drebin will return, or more precisely, his descendant Frank Drebin Jr. The character will be played by 72-year-old Liam Neeson, who, like Leslie Nielsen for most of his acting career, was not associated with comedic roles. Pamela Anderson will be Neeson's on-screen partner.
"Airplane!" can be rented on Prime Video or Canal+ Premiery.
