Mel Brooks is celebrating his 100th birthday.

Mel Brooks, one of Hollywood’s most celebrated figures, recently marked his 100th birthday on June 28, 2026. Born Melvin James Kaminsky on June 28, 1926, in New York City, he was raised in a Jewish immigrant family from Ukraine. His journey into entertainment began after World War II when he worked as a drummer in nightclubs before transitioning into stand-up comedy. He also had roles in radio and served as the chief entertainer at Grossinger's Resort, a popular vacation destination. Eventually, he moved into television, where he would find fame and fortune. Brooks has been recognized for his work in both film and theater, earning numerous accolades throughout his career. In 1964, he won his first Oscar for the short film The Critic. Four years later, he received another Oscar for the screenplay of The Producers, which he later adapted into a musical that premiered on Broadway in 2001. This production earned him 12 Tony Awards, making him one of the few individuals to achieve such success in both film and stage. Over half a century after receiving the Oscar for The Producers, the Academy honored him with a lifetime achievement award. At the age of 95, Brooks authored a memoir detailing his life and career. Throughout his career, Brooks has been known for his unique approach to comedy, often using parody and satire to challenge conventional storytelling. His film Blazing Saddles subverted the Western genre, while Robin Hood: Men in Tights offered a humorous take on the classic legend. In Spaceballs, he paid homage to science fiction classics like Star Wars, Alien, Planet of the Apes, and Star Trek. These projects showcased his ability to blend humor with sharp social commentary, often breaking the fourth wall to highlight the absurdity of cinematic tropes. In his personal life, Brooks has been married twice. His first marriage was to Florence Baum, which ended in divorce in 1962. Two years later, he married actress Anne Bancroft, with whom he had a son named Maximilian Michael, who later became a writer under the name Max Brooks. Anne Bancroft, born in 1931 and passing away in 2005, was a renowned actress known for her versatility in both film and theater. She gained widespread recognition for her role as Mrs. Robinson in The Graduate (1967) and received an Oscar for her performance in The Miracle Worker. In addition to her Oscar, she also won two Tony Awards and two Emmy Awards, solidifying her place among the most respected actresses of the 20th century. The term “EGOT” refers to an individual who has won all four major American entertainment awards: the Emmy (for television), Grammy (for music), Oscar (for film), and Tony (for theater). Achieving this status is considered extremely rare, requiring an artist to excel across multiple disciplines such as acting, writing, directing, or producing. Mel Brooks is one of the few individuals to have accomplished this feat, showcasing his broad range and influence within the entertainment industry. As a master of the film parody genre, Brooks has consistently used irony, exaggeration, and satire to critique and reinterpret existing genres and cultural norms. His works often feature characters who acknowledge their existence within a film, drawing attention to the artificial nature of cinematic conventions. This technique allows him to explore and dismantle clichés found in genres ranging from Westerns to science fiction, offering audiences both laughter and insight. With his 100th birthday celebration, Brooks continues to be a prominent figure in the world of entertainment, remembered not only for his comedic genius but also for his contributions to film, theater, and literature. As fans and colleagues alike reflect on his legacy, his impact on the industry remains undeniable, ensuring that his work will continue to inspire future generations of artists and entertainers.