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Zucker, Abrahams and Zucker
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Zucker, Abrahams and Zucker (ZAZ) is a comedy filmmaking trio consisting of David Zucker, Jim Abrahams and Jerry Zucker. The three knew one another during childhood - growing up in Shorewood, Wisconsin, and attending Shorewood High School (which is sometimes referenced in their work). While attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison the trio formed a theater group called "Kentucky Fried Theater". This led to a sketch film, The Kentucky Fried Movie (1977), which was written by the group and directed by John Landis.
This was followed in 1980 by their breakout hit, Airplane!, which remains one of the definitions of comedic film. Other ZAZ collaborations included the television series Police Squad! (1982), the features Top Secret! and Ruthless People and the feature film spinoffs of Police Squad!, the three Naked Gun films. All of these projects relied heavily on parodies, visual gags and breaking of the Fourth Wall, and established a strong cult following.
Prominent ZAZ players include Leslie Nielsen, Lloyd Bridges, Robert Stack, Rowan Atkinson, Charlie Sheen, and Anna Faris.
Each member of the group has also had individual success:
- Jerry Zucker with the non-comedy blockbuster Ghost, which grossed over $500 million, and the comedy Rat Race.
- David Zucker with the hits Scary Movie 3 and Scary Movie 4 as well as BASEketball.
- Jim Abrahams with hits Hot Shots! and Hot Shots! Part Deux, as well as Jane Austen's Mafia!.
David Zucker and Abrahams are known for making parodies that almost re-enacts famous scenes from a number of movies in an absurd way. The Zuckers and Abrahams are all Jewish.
- David Zucker at the Internet Movie Database
- Jim Abrahams at the Internet Movie Database
- Jerry Zucker at the Internet Movie Database
- "The Zucker Touch"
 This article about a United States film director is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
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| David Zucker • Jim Abrahams • Jerry Zucker | |
| Collaborative works | The Kentucky Fried Movie • Airplane! • Top Secret! • Police Squad! • Ruthless People • The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! • Scary Movie 4 • Scary Movie 5 |
| David Zucker films | The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear • Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult • High School High • BASEketball • Scary Movie 3 |
| Jim Abrahams films | Hot Shots! • Hot Shots! Part Deux • Jane Austen's Mafia! |
| Jerry Zucker films | Ghost • Rat Race |