Comedy legend behind ‘Airplane!’ dies and ‘The Naked Gun’

Jim Abrahams, the legendary comedy writer, director and producer, has died, according to The Hollywood Reporter. He was 80 years old.

Abrahams’ son Joseph told the outlet that his father died of natural causes at his home in Santa Monica, California, on Tuesday, November 26.

“Comedy legend Jim Abrahams, the mastermind behind Airplane!, The Naked Gun, Ruthless People, Top Secret and more, has died at age 80.” a publication X is read. “Known for redefining comedy with the Zucker brothers, his work made millions laugh. RIP to a true genius of quirky humor.”

Abrahams was born in Shorewood, Wisconsin, on May 10, 1944, his IMDb Biography Statuses. He studied at the University of Wisconsin-Madison with childhood friends and future collaborators Jerry and David Zucker.

The trio would work together on several iconic comedies, including “The Kentucky Fried Movie,” “Top Secret!”, “Hot Shots!”, “Ruthless People” and “Airplane!”

“Plane!” won the 1981 Writer’s Guild of America Award for “Best Comedy Adapted from Another Medium” and nominations received for the Golden Globes, Satellite Awards and more.

The film also ranked fourth on the Writers Guild of America’s list of “101 funniest scripts” in 2015, among dozens of other accolades. The Abrahams/Zucker team also had success with the 1982 television series “Police Squad!”

In addition to his son Joseph, Abrahams is survived by his wife, Nancy; his daughter Jamie; his other son, Charlie; and his grandchildren, Caleb, James and Isaac, according to The Hollywood Reporter.