Jim Abrahams, Iconic Writer-Director of ‘Airplane!’ and ‘The Naked Gun,’ Dies at 80

Jim Abrahams, the comedy genius behind classics like Airplane!, the Naked Gun films, and Police Squad!, has passed away at the age of 80 from natural causes at his home in Santa Monica, California. Abrahams, alongside Jerry and David Zucker, formed the legendary “ZAZ” trio, revolutionizing comedy with their unique blend of absurdity and deadpan humor. Their 1980 disaster-film spoof Airplane! became a cultural phenomenon, earning $83 million worldwide on a $3.5 million budget and delivering iconic moments like Leslie Nielsen’s deadpan exchange, “Surely, you can’t be serious.” “I am serious … and don’t call me Shirley.”