Jim Abrahams, Shorewood native and co-creator of classic comedy 'Airplane,' passes away
SHOREWOOD, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Remembering a comedic genius. Jim Abrahams, who grew up in Shorewood and is best known for his part in making the movies "Airplane!" and "The Naked Gun series," has passed away.
"Airplane!" came out in 1980, delivering the punchlines quick and with sass.
The directors were three newcomers, Jim Abrahams and his friends Jerry and David Zucker, who sat down with CBS News last year.
Jim Abrahams said as they watched the movie together, "Okay, so this was really not in the script, and then when we put the movie together, actually Jerry said we need something at the beginning that's gonna kind of set the tone for the whole movie, and that's when we added the Jaws sequence."
All three men with Wisconsin roots found their first laughs creating skits for assemblies in this auditorium at Shorewood High School.
"Their perseverance and their hard work to get to that point, to sell a new brand of comedy, is really what it was," said Timothy Kenney, Shorewood High School principal.
A 1962 yearbook says Abrahams participated in Spanish club, Future Teachers of America and Hi-Y, which organized intramural basketball. His connection to the school gave some pause Tuesday when they heard of his passing.
"It's sadness, but then it makes you, it reminds you of the person that he was and what his accomplishments were, what life was like at Shorewood High School and the story of his passion and resilience," said Kenney.
Timothy Kenney now inspires his students with their story, how a filmmaking trio never gave up their dream of telling comedy.
In 2016, Shorewood High School recognized this famous alum with a Tradition of Excellence Award.
Just last year, Abrahams completed a book with his buddies, penned after the 1980s comedy "Airplane!" "Surely, You Can't Be Serious" is on shelves at a nearby bookstore, and a store manager tells us someone bought a copy today.
Jim Abrahams died at his California home at age 80.