Comedy legend Jim Abrahams dies at 80, leaves lasting legacy

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.

Jim Abrahams and brothers Jerry and David Zucker revolutionized the comedy genre. Their joint works, such as "Airplane!", "Police Squad!" and "The Naked Gun" series with Leslie Nielsen became classics. "Airplane!", a disaster comedy from 1980, is considered one of the best comedies of all time, as emphasized 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!"

Outside of his work in Hollywood, Abrahams was involved in charitable activities. Together with his wife, he founded an organization dedicated to raising awareness about the treatment of epilepsy, inspired by his son's condition. The foundation has been operating for 30 years.

It's worth mentioning that Paramount is preparing a new version of the famous comedy "The Naked Gun", which had three installments. 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 usually associated with comedic roles. Pamela Anderson will be Neeson's on-screen partner.

"Airplane!" can be rented on Prime Video or Canal+ Premiery.