Move Back
!['Airplane!']()
In 1980, this comedy earned scores of fans spoofing the disaster genre. It’s still considered one of the funniest movies of all time. Click through to see what the stars are doing now. (Paramount)![Peter_Graves_Then]()
Before “Airplane!,” the actor was known for his starring role in the 1960s TV series "Mission Impossible" and for movies like "Stalag 17." Graves portrayed Captain Clarence Oveur in "Airplane!" and "Airplane II: The Sequel." (Paramount)![Peter Graves: 1926-2010]()
After “Airplane!,” Graves appeared in movies like “Savannah Smiles,” “Adams Family Values,” and “House on Haunted Hill.” TV credits include a recurring role on “7th Heaven,” and a guest spot on “House.” The actor died on March 14, 2010 at the age of 83, of a heart attack. Graves is survived by his wife Joan, daughters Kelly, Claudia and Amanda, and six grandchildren. FOX411: Peter Graves: 1926--2010 (REUTERS)![Julie_Hagerty_Then]()
In her breakout role, Hagerty played flight attendant Elaine Dickinson. (Paramount)![Julie_Hagerty_Now]()
Hagerty, 54, has gone on to a full movie career, having appeared in films like “Lost in America,” “What About Bob?,” “Cupid” (at left), “Storytelling,” and last year’s “Confessions of a Shopaholic.” Fun fact: Hagerty has dated Albert Brooks and Bob Fosse. (ABC)![Leslie Nielsen Then]()
Nielsen played Dr. Alan Rumac in "Airplane!." In the film, when his character Rumac is asked "Surely you can't be serious?", he responds: "I am serious. And don't call me Shirley." It remains one of the classic lines in movie history. (Paramount)![Leslie Nielsen: 1926-2010]()
After 'Airplane', Nielsen went on to the successful “Naked Gun” film series. The actor ended up making over 100 films, including the “Scary Movie” series and “Spy Hard.” Nielsen also got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and wrote his own fictional autobiography, “The Naked Truth.” Nielsen died on November 27, 2010 from complications from pneumonia. He was 84, a year older than fellow 'Airplane' star Peter Graves was when he died earlier in the year. (REUTERS)![Robert_Hays_Then]()
Hays is still best-known for his first major role: Ted Striker in “Airplane!.” (Paramount)![Robert_Hays_Now]()
Hays appeared in “Airplane II: The Sequel” and from there, went on to movies like “Scandalous,” “Homeward Bound,” “Dr. T & the Women,” and “Superhero Movie.” TV credits include the series “Iron Man” (voice work), “The Outer Limits,” and “That 70s Show.” The actor has also directed and produced for films and television. Now 62, Hays was married once, to The Runaways singer Cherie Currie. Currie and Hays have one son. (REUTERS)![Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Then]()
The professional basketball player turned into airplane pilot Roger Murdock for the 1980 comedy. At the time he was also a star player on the Los Angeles Lakers. (Paramount)![Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Now]()
Kareem retired from the NBA in 1989 but continued to pursue acting, appearing on TV shows like "21 Jump Street," "Martin," and "Scrubs". In December 2008, the former pro-baller was diagnosed with Leukemia and has been an advocate for cancer awareness ever since. He has also penned six books, one for every season he received the Most Valuable Player Award in the NBA. Now 63, Abdul-Jabbar has five children. (REUTERS)![Lloyd_Bridges_Then]()
Bridges played Steve McCroskey, who will forever be remembered for the line "Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit drinking." (Paramount)![Lloyd Bridges 1913 to 1998]()
Bridges reprised his role as McCroskey in "Airplane!"'s 1982 sequel. He also appeared in various other movies including "Hot Shots!" and "Blown Away." He guest-starred on several television shows including his son Beau's show, "Harts of the West." The talented actor was nominated for an Emmy for his guest appearance on "Seinfeld" in 1990. Lloyd shared a tender moment with son Jeff Bridges on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (pointing at each other's stars) a few years before he died -- at the age of 85. His final film, 1998's "Jane Austen's Mafia" was dedicated to his memory. (REUTERS)![Barbara Billingsley Then]()
“June Cleaver” played the stewardess who “speaks Jive.” (Paramount)![Barbara Billingsley Now]()
After “Airplane!,” the actress voiced “Nanny” on the animated series “Muppet Babies” from 1984 to 1991. She also appeared in various “Leave It to Beaver” movies. Billingsly is now 94. Married three times (twice widowed), the actress has two children. (AP)![Stephen_Stucker_Then]()
Stucker played insane control room worker Johnny Henshaw-Jacobs. "What kind of plane is it?" "Oh, it's a big pretty white plane with red stripes, curtains in the windows, and wheels and it looks like a big Tylenol." (Paramount)![Stephen Stucker 1947 to 1986]()
Stucker was one of the first actors to announce he was suffering from HIV. Sadly, he died from AIDS-related complications in 1986, at the age of 38.![Robert_Stack_Then]()
Previously the star of “The Untouchables” (for which he won an Emmy), and other series, Stack’s “Airplane!” role was that of Captain Rex Kramer. (Paramount)![Robert Stack 1919 to 2003]()
After “Airplane!,” Stack (mostly) returned to TV. The actor appeared in “Strike Force” in 1981, the mini series “Hollywood Wives” in 1985, and in several episodes of “Falcon Crest” in 1986. Stack hosted “Unsolved Mysteries” beginning in 1987. Movie credits include “Caddyshack II,” “Joe Versus the Volcano,” “Beavis and Butt-Head Do America,” and “BASEketball.” The actor died in 2002 of a heart attack. He was married from 1956 until his death. (REUTERS)Then/Now: The Cast of 'Airplane!'
The cast made this 1980 comedy a classic. Who's still flyin' high, and who crashed and burned?
Move Forward
- Then/Now: The Cast of 'Airplane!'
