Jim Abrahams, the screenwriter and director best known for the “The Naked Gun'' series, died Tuesday at the age of 80.
Abrahams was a pioneer in comedy parody, helping popularize the genre with collaborators Jerry and David Zucker in the 1980s. He was known for slapstick comedies such as “Airplane!” and “Hotshot!” his son Joseph Confirmed Variety was informed of his death, but the circumstances surrounding his death have not been reported at this time.
Los Angeles, California – April 8: Director Jim Abrahams attends a screening of “The Kentucky Fried Movie” during the 2017 TCM Classic Film Festival on April 8, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. 26657_005 (Photo credit: Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for TCM)
The Abrahams and the Zucker brothers combined their talents to form the Kentucky Fried Theater in 1971 while attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
The trio made their film debut in 1977 in the indie sketch comedy Kentucky Fried Movie, written by Abrahams. They became known as “ZAZ” and later created “Airplane!” 1980's Top Secret! ” In 1984, “Ruthless People” was released in 1986.
They received a BAFTA nomination for Best Original Screenplay for Airplane!.
Abrahams developed a unique comedic style that led to the television series “Police Squad!” The show's popularity led to the creation of the “Naked Gun” film series, including “The Naked Gun: From the Files of the Police Squad!” “The Naked Gun 2 1/2: The Scent of Fear'' in 1988 and “The Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult'' in 1991.
Abrahams had an independent success directing the 1988 comedy “Big Business,” which starred Bette Midler and Lily Tomlin.
LOS ANGELES – OCTOBER 30: Three directors of the movie “Airplane!'' Jerry poses for a portrait during an industry workshop at Los Angeles Center Studios on October 30, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. Mr. Zucker, Mr. David Zucker, and Mr. Jim Abrahams (photo left) (Photo by Jim Steinfeld/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
In 1990, he directed “Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael,'' starring Winona Ryder and Jeff Daniels. Next, they performed “Hot Shot!,'' a parody of “Top Gun.'' Featuring Charlie Sheen in 1991.
Director Abrahams received screenwriting credits for the Godfather parody Mafia! in 1998 and Scary Movie 4, which was his final film project in 2006. (Related: Legendary game show host Chuck Woolley dies at 83)
Abrahams is survived by her daughter, Jamie; sons Joseph and Charlie; wife Nancy Cocuzzo; and three grandchildren, Caleb, James and Isaac.
