Mel Brooks Turns 100, Marks One Hundred Years of Laughter
Mel Brooks turns 100 on Sunday, June 28, 2026, after a career that began in the Borscht Belt and expanded into film, television and live comedy. The Brooklyn‑born writer and director has continued working, so the age milestone was marked by rumors of a new “Spaceballs” sequel and the elder’s active engagement with the comedy community.
Earlier this year, Judd Apatow released the documentary Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man, which followed Brooks from his Army service through early collaborations with Sid Caesar and Carl Reiner. The film highlights how the 1960s sketches featuring the “2000 Year Old Man” were developed.
Brooks recently donated thousands of books, photographs and other documents to the National Comedy Center in Jamestown, New York, and sent a video tribute to Eddie Murphy in recognition of Murphy’s AFI life‑achievement award. He has remained active in planning a “Spaceballs” follow‑up.
In celebration of his centenary, the American Film Institute named Blazing Saddles (1974) the funniest film ever in its updated rankings. The change displaced Some Like It Hot from the top slot, with President and CEO Bob Gazzale announcing the move as a tribute to Brooks.
In interviews, Brooks has said he avoids dwelling on mortality and instead focuses on producing humor. His birthday was noted by the AFI and the film community as a milestone of longevity and continued creativity.