Mel Brooks-the legendary filmmaker, writer, and comedian-has announced a two-part documentary that dives into his life, career, and the secrets he says keep him alive at 99.
At a Glance
- The film, Mel Brooks: The 99-Year-Old Man!, premieres on HBO Max on January 22 and January 23.
- Brooks credits laughter and courage-passed down from his mother-as the keys to his longevity.
- The documentary features interviews with Brooks, his friends and family, and archival footage of his iconic works.
Why it matters: Fans and film historians alike get a rare, intimate look at the man behind classics such as The Producers and Blazing Saddles, and a fresh perspective on how humor can shape a life.
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A Life Built on Laughter
The new film opens with Brooks reflecting on his career that spans nearly eight decades. He says, “We all laughed a lot,” adding that laughing keeps you healthy and happy. In the documentary, he explains that making people laugh has been his constant motivation.
> “It’s an amazing sound, people laughing at something I created,” Brooks says. “Making comedy is a great job. It keeps you sane and happy. It gives you a reason to be alive.”
Brooks’ belief that humor is a life-sustaining force is rooted in his early experiences. He grew up in Brooklyn, New York, as the youngest of four boys. After his father died when he was two, his mother Kate Kaminsky raised the family alone, becoming a source of courage for the young Brooks.
> “She was an amazing example of courage,” he says. “Losing her husband when she was just a young gal, raising four kids. What an example of a courageous life.”
Courage on the Battlefield
At 17, Brooks paused his comedy ambitions to enlist in the U.S. Army. He served in a combat engineering unit on the European front during World War II. According to Brooks, his ability to make fellow soldiers laugh helped him survive the war.
> “I got through World War II as a soldier because I made my buddies in the Army laugh,” he recalls.
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A Legendary Career
After the war, Brooks returned to entertainment and quickly became one of the most influential figures in comedy.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1965-70 | Co-created the TV series Get Smart |
| 1967 | Won an Oscar for The Producers |
| 1974 | Directed Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein |
Blazing Saddles is often cited as the first major anti-racist film, breaking new ground in comedy. Brooks’ son, Max, described his father’s work as “incredible courage” and a “true genius.”
> “My father had incredible courage; all his movies have incredible courage. My father is a true genius.” – Max Brooks, 53
The documentary also features praise from contemporary comedians. Judd Apatow, who co-directed the film, called Brooks “the greatest of all time” and “the Rosetta Stone of comedy.” Michael Bonfiglio, another co-director, added that Brooks is “a national treasure.”
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The 99-Year-Old Man
Brooks’ own reflections on aging are candid. He says he has accomplished most of what he set out to do, but if he missed anything, it wasn’t his fault. The film captures this humility alongside his relentless optimism.
> “I think I’ve done most of it,” he says of his career bucket list. “But if I missed anything, it wasn’t my fault.”
The documentary’s two-part format allows viewers to see the breadth of Brooks’ influence-from his early days in Brooklyn to his impact on modern comedy. It also showcases how his personal values-humor, courage, and family-shaped his work.
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How to Watch
- Episode 1 premieres on HBO Max January 22 at 8 p.m. ET.
- Episode 2 premieres on January 23 at the same time.
- Both episodes will be available for streaming on HBO Max starting January 22.
Fans can catch the film on the same platform that has hosted many of Brooks’ classic works, offering a full-circle experience for longtime admirers.
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Key Takeaways
- Brooks attributes his longevity to laughter and the courage modeled by his mother.
- His career, highlighted by Get Smart, The Producers, Blazing Saddles, and Young Frankenstein, set new standards for comedic storytelling.
- The documentary, directed by Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio, offers an intimate look at a man who has shaped modern humor.
For those who grew up laughing at Brooks’ jokes or are curious about the man behind the jokes, Mel Brooks: The 99-Year-Old Man! promises insight, humor, and a celebration of a life lived in laughter.
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About the Documentary
Mel Brooks: The 99-Year-Old Man! is a two-part HBO Max documentary that blends interviews with Brooks, his friends and family, and archival footage. The film is co-directed by Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio, both of whom have long admired Brooks’ work.
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Final Thoughts
Brooks’ story is one of resilience, humor, and an unwavering belief in the power of laughter. As he turns 99, the film offers a fitting tribute to a man who has made the world laugh for nearly a century.
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Source: News Of Los Angeles
