Zucker, Abrahams and Zucker
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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Zucker, Abrahams and Zucker (ZAZ) is a Emmy Award-nominated and BAFTA Award-nominated 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 a revered comedic milestone. 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 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!.
It is possible that arranging their names "Zucker, Abrahams, and Zucker" is an homage to "Howard, Fine, and Howard". A sound clip of the end of the "Three Stooges" theme music plays at the end of each of the Naked Gun films.
Trivia
- The parody musician "Weird Al" Yankovic is a noted fan of ZAZ, especially Top Secret! for which he based some microphone gags off of in his music video "One More Minute", according to his website. Also he had a cameo appearance in all three Naked Gun movies.
