Airplane is a classic comedy film released in 1980. The film was written and directed by the team of Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker, and it starred some of the biggest names in Hollywood. From Robert Hays to Julie Hagerty and from Lloyd Bridges to Peter Graves, the film brought together some of the most talented actors of the day. Here is a look at the actors who starred in Airplane, and a brief overview of each one’s career.
Robert Hays
Robert Hays stars in Airplane as Ted Striker, the former pilot turned reluctant hero. Hays is best known for his role as Tony Nelson in the television series “Soap” and as the voice of Iron Man in the animated series “Iron Man.” He had roles in several other films, including “The Great Race” and “Escape from L.A.,” and went on to appear in the comedy series “Spin City” and the drama “Lost.” Hays has since retired from acting and is now a successful real estate investor.
Julie Hagerty
Julie Hagerty stars in Airplane as Elaine Dickinson, a flight attendant who is the object of Ted Striker’s affection. Hagerty is best known for her roles in the films “Lost in America” and “What About Bob?” She has had roles in several other films, including “The Money Pit,” “The Little Rascals,” and “What Women Want.” Hagerty has continued to act, appearing in television shows such as “Will & Grace” and “The New Adventures of Old Christine.”
Lloyd Bridges
Lloyd Bridges stars in Airplane as Steve McCroskey, the air traffic controller who is struggling to keep the plane from crashing. Bridges is best known for his roles in the television series “Sea Hunt” and the films “High Noon” and “White Lightning.” He had roles in several other films, including “Airplane II” and “The Towering Inferno,” and went on to appear in the television series “C.H.U.D.” and “Streets of San Francisco.” Bridges passed away in 1998.
Peter Graves
Peter Graves stars in Airplane as Capt. Clarence Oveur, the pilot who is trying to help Ted Striker fly the plane. Graves is best known for his role as Jim Phelps in the television series “Mission: Impossible” and as Capt. Clarence Oveur in “Airplane II.” He had roles in several other films, including “Stalag 17” and “Red Dawn,” and went on to appear in the television series “Seven Days” and “Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea.” Graves passed away in 2010.
Leslie Nielsen
Leslie Nielsen stars in Airplane as Dr. Rumack, the doctor who is trying to help Ted Striker fly the plane. Nielsen is best known for his roles in the films “The Naked Gun” and “Airplane II.” He had roles in several other films, including “Police Squad!” and “Forbidden Planet,” and went on to appear in the television series “Futurama” and “Family Guy.” Nielsen passed away in 2010.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar stars in Airplane as Roger Murdock, the co-pilot who is trying to help Ted Striker fly the plane. Abdul-Jabbar is best known for his role as Lew Alcindor in the film “Game of Death” and as himself in the film “Airplane II.” He had roles in several other films, including “Fletch” and “The Main Event,” and went on to appear in the television series “Coach” and “Dr. Ken.” Abdul-Jabbar is now a successful author and social commentator.
Robert Stack
Robert Stack stars in Airplane as Capt. Rex Kramer, the military pilot who is trying to help Ted Striker fly the plane. Stack is best known for his roles in the television series “The Untouchables” and the films “Airplane II” and “Airplane! III.” He had roles in several other films, including “The Name of the Game” and “The Monster Squad,” and went on to appear in the television series “Unsolved Mysteries” and “Monsters.” Stack passed away in 2003.
Lorna Patterson
Lorna Patterson stars in Airplane as Randy, the flight attendant who is trying to help Ted Striker fly the plane. Patterson is best known for her roles in the films “Airplane II” and “Airplane! III.” She had roles in several other films, including “The Last Starfighter” and “Summer School,” and went on to appear in the television series “Newhart” and “Cheers.” Patterson is now a successful writer and producer.
Stephen Stucker
Stephen Stucker stars in Airplane as Johnny, the air traffic controller who is trying to help Ted Striker fly the plane. Stucker is best known for his roles in the films “Airplane II” and “Airplane! III.” He had roles in several other films, including “The Blues Brothers” and “The Naked Gun,” and went on to appear in the television series “Sledge Hammer!” and “Crime Story.” Stucker passed away in 1986.
Conclusion
Airplane is a classic comedy film that featured some of the biggest names in Hollywood. Robert Hays, Julie Hagerty, Lloyd Bridges, Peter Graves, Leslie Nielsen, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Robert Stack, Lorna Patterson, and Stephen Stucker all starred in the film. Each of these actors had a successful career and made a lasting impression on the world of comedy. Airplane continues to be one of the most beloved comedy films of all time.