Director, Writer Jim Abrahams Dead At 80

One of the forces behind hit comedy films like “Airplane!” and “The Naked Gun” has passed away. On Tuesday, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed the death of writer-director Jim Abrahams. His family says he died Tuesday in his Santa Monica home at the age of 80. In the 1970s, 80s and 90s, Abrahams worked with his childhood friends Jerry and David Zucker to create several hit comedies. Those included “Top Secret!”, “Ruthless People” and “Hot Shots!”. They also created the T-V show “Police Squad!”. That show starred Leslie Nielsen, who was a regular in many of their comedies.