Jim Abrahams
Jim Abrahams (James S. Abrahams) was born on May 10th, 1944. Jim passed away November 26th, 2024 at 80 years old. Jim Abrahams was born in Shorewood, WI, USA.
Jim Abrahams was an American writer and film director, best known for the films he co-wrote and produced with David and Jerry Zucker, including
Airplane! and
The Naked Gun series. The trio had been friends since childhood, and after studying together at the University of Wisconsin, they founded a theater group called the Kentucky Fried Theater in 1971.
Airplane! was a groundbreaking film that starred dramatic actors like Leslie Nielsen and Robert Stack, who delivered absurd jokes with deadpan expressions. The film received critical acclaim, earning a BAFTA Award nomination for Best Screenplay and winning the 1981 Writers Guild of America Award. It was later inducted into the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for its cultural significance. The influence of 1980s comedies endures, and
Airplane! remains one of the most celebrated films of that era.
Following the success of
Airplane!, the trio enjoyed further popularity with the 1982 TV series
Police Squad! Other notable works include
Top Secret!,
Top Gun, and
Hot Shots! Part Deux, as well as the black comedy
Ruthless People.
In his solo career, Abrahams directed films like
Big Business and
Hot Shots! Outside of filmmaking, he and his wife co-founded The Charlie Foundation, which aims to help cure pediatric epilepsy.
Together, Abrahams and the Zucker brothers wrote
Surely You Can’t Be Serious, a humorous look at the making of the comedy classic
Airplane! The book explores the group’s journey from the Kentucky Fried Theater to Hollywood and the creative process behind their unique brand of comedy. It provides behind-the-scenes stories, including how they convinced Peter Graves to join the cast, despite his initial doubts, and Leslie Nielsen's notorious on-set pranks.
Packed with testimonials from film, TV, and comedy icons, the book highlights
Airplane!’s influence on the genre. This multi-layered, hilarious, and insightful account is perfect for fans of the movie or anyone interested in comedy, making it a delightful and memorable read.
Jim Abrahams: Awards & Accolades
Abrahams' book, Surely You Can't Be Serious: The True Story of Airplane! was nominated for the Goodreads Awards, Best Humor, in 2023.
Jim Abrahams: F.A.Q
When was Jim Abrahams Born?
Jim Abrahams was born on May 10th, 1944.
When did Jim Abrahams die?
Jim Abrahams died on November 26th, 2024 at 80 years old.
Where was Jim Abrahams Born?
Jim Abrahams was born in Shorewood, WI, USA.
What was the first book Jim Abrahams wrote?
The first book written by Jim Abrahams was Kentucky Fried Theater's Airplane!, published in 1978.
What was the most recent book Jim Abrahams wrote?
His most recently released work was Surely You Can't Be Serious: The True Story of Airplane! on October 3rd, 2023.
How many books has Jim Abrahams written?
Jim Abrahams has written 2 books. All of his books are Non-Fiction Books.