It’s a sad day in the world of comedy. There are some films that are so influential that they changed the course of how comedies are perceived. “Airplane!” was one of those films. By combining deadpan delivery, constant visual gags, and a supreme sense of parody and satire, the film became a beloved staple in popular culture. We’re sad to report that Jim Abrahams, one of the creative forces behind that film and others, has passed away.
Jim Abrahams was the letter A in the writing and production team commonly referred to as “ZAZ.” The Z’s were his friends, brothers David Zucker and Jerry Zucker. The three friends got their start doing some gonzo comedy sketches in their home state of Wisconsin. Their “Kentucky Fried Theater” comedy shows eventually landed them writing a similarly titled film directed by John Landis. The large return on such a cheap film to make brought the ZAZ team the chance to write and direct their own film, the aforementioned “Airplane!.”
Abrahams was tied to the Zucker’s for many of their projects, but he did eventually branch out on his own to head up “Hot Shots” and “Hot Shots: Part Deux.” He co-wrote the films with a fellow ZAZ collaborator, Pat Proft, who was also a writer on the “Naked Gun” trilogy. “Hot Shots” very much borrowed from the formula that “Airplane!” set, even reteaming Abrahams with actor Lloyd Bridges. Just how Leslie Nielsen was a dramatic actor who turned to comedy in “Airplane!” and “Naked Gun,” Abrahams did the same for Bridges’ career.
As the ’90s wore on, the ZAZ style parody film fell out of the popular zeitgeist. Abrahams’ last directed feature was “Mafia!” from 1998. While it still had its laughs, and was one of Lloyd Bridges last films, it didn’t live up to the heights of Abraham’s previous projects. All that was left for parody films after that was the “Scary Movie” franchise followed by a bunch of pale imitators like “Meet the Spartans.” The kind of films that felt like someone had watched “Airplane!” but never really understood what made it funny.
At the very least, the legacy of Jim Abrahams looms large over the world of comedy. If it weren’t for his work with the rest of the ZAZ team the world would have a lot less laughter in it. There are few greater joys in life than being able to make others laugh, and Abrahams did that for millions. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and to all who feel like the world has lost someone so uniquely funny and special.
