Mel Brooks: Prince of parody, master of mirth

'The Producers' (1967) - Major studios wouldn't touch it, but Brooks eventually secured funding and an independent distributor. A minor hit at the time, the film has since achieved cult status. Brooks won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, and its eventual transfer to the Broadway stage garnered 'The Producers' an incredible 12 Tony awards.

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'Blazing Saddles' (1974) - The second-highest US grossing film of 1974, 'Blazing Saddles' confirmed Brooks's status as one of Hollywood's most innovative and original funny men.

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'Blazing Saddles' (1974) - The film starred Cleavon Little as Sheriff Bart, Gene Wilder as the Waco Kid, and Brooks regulars Dom DeLuise, Madeline Kahn, and Harvey Korman.

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'Blazing Saddles' (1974) - Mel Brooks appeared in three on-screen roles, and two off-screen voice roles. Gene Wilder only agreed to appear in the film if Brooks picked up an idea he'd been formulating based around a spoof Frankenstein film.

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'Young Frankenstein' (1974) - A critical and box office smash, the Oscar-winning film again starred Gene Wilder, this time as Dr Frederick Frankenstein. Peter Boyle turned in a masterful role as The Monster.

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'Young Frankenstein' (1974) - In 2003 'Young Frankenstein' was deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" by the United States National Film Preservation Board.

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'Silent Movie' (1976) - Keeping ahead of the game, and demonstrating typical audacity, Brooks decided to make the first feature-length silent comedy in four decades.

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'Silent Movie' (1976) - Another box office hit, the film featured several Hollywood A-listers in cameo roles as themselves, stars that included Paul Newman, Liza Minnelli, Burt Reynolds, and James Caan. Brooks himself took the lead role.

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'History of the World, Part 1' (1981) - A parody of the historical film spectacular, the four main segments of the movie consist of stories set in The Stone Age, the Roman Empire, the Spanish Inquisition, and the French Revolution.

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'History of the World, Part 1' (1981) - Released in 1981, Brooks wrote, produced, and directed this anthology comedy film. He also starred in the film, playing five roles.

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'History of the World, Part 1' (1981) - The French Revolution segment saw Brooks playing the role of King Louis, and spawned the catchphrase, "It's good to be the king."

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'Spaceballs' (1987) - Brooks co-wrote, produced, and directed 'Spaceballs.' It received mixed reviews from critics, but has since become a cult classic.

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'Spaceballs' (1987) - Brooks's parody of the original 'Star Wars' trilogy featured Bill Pullman, John Candy, and Daphne Zuniga.

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The 8th Annual TV Land Awards, 2010 - Brooks together with Carl Reiner accept their awards during the 8th Annual TV Land Awards in 2010. The comedy duo first performed their famous skit 'The 2000 Year Old Man' way back in 1960.

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'Life Stinks' (1991) - Although a critical and box office flop, 'Life Stinks' stands out for being one of the few Mel Brooks comedies that is not a parody.

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'Robin Hood: Men in Tights' (1993) - The musical adventure comedy parodied the legend mercilessly, borrowing from previous Robin Hood films. It received mixed reviews but has developed a cult following.

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The 50th Primetime Emmy Awards, 1998 - Clutching his award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series. Brooks won for his role in 'Mad About You.'

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Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder - Brooks made several highly successful films with late actor Gene Wilder, including 'The Producers' (1967), 'Blazing Saddles' (1974), and 'Young Frankenstein' (1974).

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Mel Brooks and Anne Bancroft - Brooks was married to Anne Bancroft from 1964 until her death in 2005. He credits her as being the driving force behind his involvement in developing 'The Producers' and 'Young Frankenstein' for the musical theater.

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Kennedy Center Honoree, 2009 - Brooks poses with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and fellow Kennedy Center Honorees Grace Bumbry, Dave Brubeck, Robert De Niro, and Bruce Springsteen.

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Culver City, 2013 - At the piano in his office at the Culver Studios, California. Brooks is an accomplished composer and lyricist.

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Hollywood, 2013 - Addressing the audience after being presented with the American Film Institute's 41st Life Achievement Award.

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Century City, 2014 - Attending the Mel Brooks Street Dedication and Young Frankenstein Mural Presentation at the 20th Century Fox Lot.

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Handprint and footprint ceremony, 2014 - Brooks was honored in a handprint and footprint ceremony at TLC Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. Look closely. His left handprint features a six-fingered left hand—he wore a prosthetic finger when making the prints!

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Presidential honor, 2016 - In 2016 Brooks received the 2015 National Medal of Arts from President Obama during a ceremony at the White House.

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BAFTA honor, 2017 - Making a scene after collecting his Fellowship award at the British Academy of Film and Television Awards ceremony in London, UK.

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'If You're Not in the Orbit, Eat Breakfast' 2017 -

Playing dead at the premiere of the HBO documentary 'If You're Not in the Orbit, Eat Breakfast.' The show features several celebrated nonagenarians and asks the question, "What's the secret to living into your 90s?"

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Musical adaptation of 'Young Frankenstein' (2017) - Brooks adapted his classic 1974 film for the stage. It premiered in Seattle, WA before transferring to New York. The musical is currently playing at the Garrick Theatre in London's West End. Pictured with Brooks in the UK is Susan Stroman.

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Award-winning career - The extraordinary scope of his success has garnered Brooks a clutch of Oscar, Emmy, Tony, and Grammy awards—one of the few personalities in the entertainment industry to win all four major accolades.

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Adaptation of 'The Producers' to the Broadway stage - Brooks hugs Nathan Lane as fellow actor Matthew Broderick looks on at the end of the Tony Awards in 2001. 'The Producers' won a record 12 Tonys, including the prize for best musical.

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Success as a producer - Brooks has produced several films including the historical drama 'The Elephant Man' (1980), sci-fi horror 'The Fly' (1986) and '84 Charing Cross Road' (1987), which co-starred his wife, Anne Bancroft.

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Success as a director -

Brooks has directed 11 movies, often having written, produced, and starred in them as well.

Mel Brooks: Prince of parody, master of mirth

The comic genius turns 96 on June 28

28/06/22 | StarsInsider

CELEBRITY Mel brooks

Turning an impressive 96 years old, Mel Brooks is as young as he's ever been. Known for cult comedy classics 'The Producers,' 'Blazing Saddles,' and 'Young Frankenstein,' among other other laugh-a-minute movies, the nonagenarian is as busy as ever.

The actor, writer, producer, and director is a Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, and Tony-award winning master of mirth, and prince of parody whose films have helped define Hollywood's comedic landscape.

Browse the gallery for a look back at some of the highlights in Brooks's long and hugely successful career.