Mel Brooks, the iconic comedian and filmmaker, is marking his 100th birthday on June 28, 2026. Known for his sharp wit and groundbreaking work in comedy, Brooks has had a prolific career spanning several decades. Born Melvin Kaminsky in Brooklyn, New York, in 1926, Brooks has been celebrated for his contributions to the entertainment industry and his enduring influence on comedy.

Brooks served in the U.S. Army during World War II before launching his career in entertainment by performing in the Borscht Belt circuit. His early break came when Sid Caesar hired him as a writer for the television program "Show of Shows," where he met lifelong collaborator Carl Reiner. Together, they created the popular “2000 Year Old Man” sketches, in which Brooks portrayed an ancient character humorously answering Reiner’s questions about historical figures, including Jesus.

Throughout his career, Brooks directed and co-wrote several classic comedies such as “The Producers,” “Blazing Saddles,” “Young Frankenstein,” and “High Anxiety,” many of which have become staples of American humor. He often cites his joyful childhood in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, as a formative influence on his comedic outlook. Reflecting on his life, Brooks has noted that his happiest years were his early childhood before the responsibilities and hardships of growing up set in.

Despite reaching a milestone age, Brooks remains actively engaged with the comedy community. This past April, he submitted a video message honoring Eddie Murphy for receiving the American Film Institute’s Life Achievement Award. In May, Brooks donated thousands of documents and photographs related to his career to the National Comedy Center in Jamestown, New York, ensuring his legacy will be preserved for future generations.

In conjunction with Brooks’ centennial, the American Film Institute named his 1974 film “Blazing Saddles” the funniest film of all time. The movie surpassed the longtime leader “Some Like It Hot,” a film Brooks himself had suggested was less humorous than his own work. Bob Gazzale, president and CEO of the AFI, praised Brooks during the announcement, expressing hope that he would continue to enrich the world with laughter.

Brooks has also occasionally addressed themes of mortality through humor. In the 1980s, he created a coin-operated gravestone that featured a recorded message in which he self-referentially described himself as “one of the funniest little Jews to walk the Earth.” When asked about his thoughts on death in a 2021 interview, Brooks stated that he did not dwell on the subject.

As Mel Brooks celebrates his 100th birthday, his enduring legacy as a pioneering figure in comedy remains firmly intact, recognized both by peers and audiences worldwide.