Mel Brooks, iconic comedian and filmmaker, turns 100
Mel Brooks attends the Los Angeles premiere of HBO Documentary Films' " Mel Brooks: 99 Year Old Man!" at Ted Mann Theater at the Academy Museum on January 20, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images)
Mel Brooks, the iconic comedian and filmmaker, turns 100 on Sunday.
As the entertainment world celebrates Brooks’ centenarian status, here’s a look back at his extraordinary life and career:
Mel Brooks’ life
The backstory:
Brooks was born in Brooklyn, New York, on June 28, 1926. His birth name was Melvin Kaminsky. In a 2021 interview with The Associated Press, Brooks said his passion for comedy dates back to his childhood.
What they're saying:
"I wanted to keep the party going. I wanted to keep the happiness and joy and explosions of laughter going into a dour part of our lives, not our childhood anymore," Brooks recalled. "I was once interviewed and the guy said, ‘What was the happiest part of your life? Was it winning the Academy Award? Was it marrying Anne Bancroft?’ I said no, not at all. It was my childhood. From about 4 or 5 to 9, it was the most exciting, happiest, joyous life that anyone could experience.
"The guy said, 'What happened at 9?’ I said, 'Homework.'"
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After serving in the Army during World War II and performing in the Borscht Belt, he was hired by Sid Caesar as a writer on his "Show of Shows." That’s where Brooks met Carl Reiner. The two became lifelong friends and created the "2000 Year Old Man" sketches together.
Brooks would go on to make classic comedies like "The Producers," "Blazing Saddles," "Young Frankenstein" and "High Anxiety."
"I was born to make people laugh, so I do that," Brooks said in Judd Apatow’s documentary, "Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!"
Mel Brooks turns 100
The American Film Institute on Friday marked Brooks’ milestone by naming 1974's "Blazing Saddles" the funniest film of all time. It had previously ranked sixth on its list of 100 greatest movies. Brooks' movie displaced "Some Like It Hot" — which Brooks had long held wasn't as funny as his movies — from the top spot.
"I’ve always been proud to say that I make people laugh for a living," Brooks said.
Asked in 2021 if he thought much about death, Brooks said no.
"I gave up after 60 thinking about it because if I did, I’d be thinking about it all the time. So I don’t think about it much. When and if it happens it’s going to be a sad day — for everybody but me," Brooks said, laughing.
"I enjoy living," he added. "I’d like to do it as long as I can."
The Source: This report includes information from The Associated Press.