Mel Brooks has shared poignant memories concerning the final moments he spent with his dear friend Carl Reiner, whose close bond with Brooks spanned over several decades. Their relationship, initiated in the 1950s, was as professionally fruitful as it was personally enriching.
In the upcoming two-part HBO documentary titled *Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!*, which is set to premiere on January 22, Brooks and Reiner’s son, Rob Reiner, reflect on Carl’s passing in 2020 at the age of 98. Rob recounted the heartbreaking moment of his father’s collapse and his subsequent heart attack, recalling that Brooks was right there at the critical moment. “Mel was there when my dad died,” Rob shared, emphasizing the deep connection between the two iconic figures.
Brooks, who fondly remembers the evenings spent dining and enjoying films at Carl’s home following their wives’ passings, vividly described his reluctance to accept his friend’s fate. He recalled desperately urging the medical team to keep trying to revive Carl, expressing the depth of his affection for him with the words, “I just didn’t want him to go. I just couldn’t — I wouldn’t accept it. I loved him so much.”
In the wake of Carl’s death, the bond remained strong, with Brooks frequently visiting Rob’s family home for companionship. Rob noted, “He would come to the house, sit there, watch television and have dinner, and he did that for months.” This enduring friendship illustrated the deep affection Brooks had for Carl, who he regarded almost as a father figure.
Highlighting the mutual admiration between them, Carl had previously commented on Brooks’ extraordinary talent, calling him a “genius” for his prolific contributions to comedy. The documentary promises to provide an intimate look at their remarkable friendship and the legacy they created together.
*Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!* will debut on HBO on January 22, providing fans with a heartfelt tribute to the lasting impact both comedic legends had on each other’s lives. Their story serves as a touching reminder of the power of friendship and the lasting bonds formed through shared laughter and creativity.