At a Glance
- Mel Brooks says Carl Reiner “never could have survived” learning of son Rob’s murder
- The comedy legends’ friendship began in the 1950s and lasted until Carl’s death in 2020
- Brooks shares his grief in the new HBO documentary premiering Jan. 22-23
- Why it matters: The story shows how lifelong friendships endure even through unimaginable loss
Mel Brooks is grateful his best friend Carl Reiner didn’t live to see their worst nightmare. Speaking at the Los Angeles premiere of his new HBO documentary, the 99-year-old comedy legend said Carl could never have endured the murder of his son Rob Reiner.
A Friendship That Defined Comedy
Brooks and Carl Reiner’s partnership began in the 1950s and produced the iconic “2000 Year Old Man” sketches. Their bond extended far beyond comedy. After both men lost their wives in the 2000s, Brooks spent nearly every evening at Carl’s house, sharing TV dinners and movies.
“I loved him. I loved Carl,” Brooks said at the Jan. 20 premiere. “There was no fake laughter. I used to really break him up. He’d grab his belly and sometimes he’d fall down.”
Carl died in 2020 at age 98. Brooks was there when it happened, refusing to accept his friend was gone.
“I kept yelling at them, ‘Keep it up, keep it up,’ and they thought I was crazy after an hour of yelling,” Brooks recalled. “I just didn’t want him to go. I just couldn’t – I wouldn’t accept it.”
The Tragedy Brooks Spared His Friend
Rob Reiner, the 78-year-old director of classics like “The Princess Bride,” was allegedly murdered by his son Nick in December. The attack also claimed the life of Rob’s wife Michele Singer Reiner.
At the documentary’s Q&A session, moderator Judd Apatow mentioned how many comedians credit Brooks and Carl as inspirations. Brooks responded with heartbreaking honesty about Carl missing this tragedy.
“Oh, very sweet. Anyway, Carl, with what’s happened, I’m glad that he passed away when he did,” Brooks said. “I mean, he never could have survived this terrible, terrible thing.”
Keeping Memories Alive
Rob had sat down for an interview before his death, appearing in the documentary that premieres Jan. 22-23. He remembered how Brooks continued visiting their house for months after Carl died.
“He would come to the house, sit there, watch television and have dinner, and he did that for months,” Rob recalled. “He wanted to be close to him even when my dad was gone.”
Rob believed Brooks saw Carl as a father figure despite being only four years younger. Brooks maintains this connection by having dinner with Carl’s daughter Annie regularly.
“Once a month, once a week,” Brooks said of their meetings.
Documentary Details
The two-part HBO documentary Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man! features:
- Brooks reflecting on Carl’s death and their friendship
- Rob’s final interview before his murder
- Never-before-seen footage of the comedy duo
- Behind-the-scenes stories from their 70-year friendship
Part one airs Jan. 22 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on HBO. Part two follows the next day at the same time. Both parts stream on HBO Max starting Jan. 22.
Key Takeaways
- Brooks and Carl Reiner’s friendship spanned seven decades
- Brooks spent every evening with Carl after both lost their wives
- Carl died in 2020, two years before Rob’s murder
- The documentary preserves both Carl’s legacy and Rob’s final reflections
- Brooks continues honoring his friend through regular dinners with Carl’s daughter
