Key Takeaways
- At 98 years old, Mel Brooks remains actively engaged in Hollywood and is reportedly working on a “Spaceballs” sequel with Josh Gad.
- Brooks’ legendary career spans over seven decades and includes iconic films like “The Producers,” “Blazing Saddles,” and “Young Frankenstein,” earning him the prestigious EGOT status along with numerous lifetime achievement honors.
- In November 2024, he received an honorary Oscar at the Governors Awards, where he demonstrated his enduring wit by joking about his early career choice between accounting and running coffee in show business.
At 98 years young, Mel Brooks is not only alive but continues to be a monumental force in Hollywood.
The legendary filmmaker, actor, and comedian, whose career spans over seven decades, is still making audiences laugh and inspiring generations of creatives.
A Lifetime Of Laughter
Born Melvin James Kaminsky on June 28, 1926, Brooks’ illustrious career began as a writer for Your Show of Shows in the 1950s.
Over time, he became synonymous with sharp wit, bold satire, and unforgettable comedies.
From the groundbreaking The Producers (1967) to timeless classics like Blazing Saddles (1974) and Young Frankenstein (1974), Brooks’ work has earned him countless accolades, including the coveted EGOT status—an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony.
Even now, Brooks continues to influence the entertainment industry.
He recently co-wrote and produced History of the World: Part II (2023), a follow-up to his iconic 1981 film.
Fans are also buzzing about Spaceballs 2, a sequel to his beloved sci-fi parody, reportedly in the works with actor Josh Gad.
Still Celebrating Milestones
Brooks has received numerous lifetime achievement honors, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the AFI Life Achievement Award, and the National Medal of Arts.
Recently, he has added another feather to his cap—an honorary Oscar from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences at the Governors Awards in November 2024.
He shared,
“First of all, I am very happy to still be alive! It is so nice to be recognized by my peers in The Academy over 50 years after my last Oscar. I had an offer to work as an apprentice accountant or as a coffee runner in show business. I’m still glad I chose the coffee.”
Via People
Moreover, known for his sharp humor, Brooks remains as lively as ever.
During his acceptance speech for the Peabody Career Achievement Award earlier last year, he quipped,
“I thought maybe this award was for being the best-looking guy in show business.”
Via RemindMagazine
His charm and wit continue to captivate fans, both old and new.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Mel Brooks’ first marriage was to Broadway dancer Florence Baum from 1953 to 1962, with whom he had three children.
- He later found lasting love with actress Anne Bancroft after they met at a Perry Como Variety Show rehearsal in 1961.
- Brooks and Bancroft married in 1964 at the Manhattan Marriage Bureau, shared a 41-year marriage until her passing in 2005, and had one son together, Max Brooks, born in 1972.
