Comedy legend reaches a century of living and a lifetime of laughs.
Comedy legend Mel Brooks is celebrating is 100th birthday.
Brooks got a special correction from the American Film Institute for his birthday.
The hallowed movie organisation released a list of the 100 greatest comedies back in 2004, ranking three Brooks’ classics, including Blazing Saddles at number 6. As of his birthday, however, AFI has elevated the Western spoof all the way to No. 1, displacing the previous funniest ever movie, Some Like It Hot. Hmmm, not sure I agree!
“He’s right!,” AFI President and CEO Bob Gazzale said in a statement. “We’re happy to right this wrong as Mel celebrates his centennial. It’s good to be the king, and may he live to be a 2,000 year old man. Happy birthday, Mel!”
Brooks has remained active in his 90s, with the Hulu series History of the World: Part 2 (a follow-up to his iconic 1981 film) and will next appear in Spaceballs: The New One, a sequel set for release in April 2027—co-written by Josh Gad.
Gad wrote a birthday message for Brooks on Instagram, calling his collaboration with the legendary filmmaker, whom he calls his “comedy idol,” “the greatest gift in my life.”
“Today we celebrate 100 years of his life and legacy,” Gad continued. “He has made us laugh and hurt on the big screen, the small screen, the stage and even on our record players. There is nothing he hasn’t won, nothing he hasn’t achieved, nothing he hasn’t proven and yet at 100, he continues to surprise and thrill us. Whether it’s the latest revival of The Producers on the West End, a Young Frankenstein TV series or our upcoming sequel to Spaceballs. At 100, he is a not just getting started and something tells me the best is still yet to come. I love you Mel. I cannot wait for the world to see this next chapter. Thank you for for your trust and your partnership. I can’t wait to show the world what we’ve done!!!!”
Brooks, who co-created the iconic Get Smart, was the focus of an HBO documentary Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!
Source: EW.com,