For over seven decades, Mel Brooks has brought joy and laughter to audiences worldwide, yet his journey to becoming a comedic legend was not without personal challenges. The iconic filmmaker is the focus of a new two-part documentary titled “Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!” set to debut on HBO on January 22. As Brooks approaches his 100th birthday in June, the documentary offers an intimate look into his life through interviews with notable figures like Rob Reiner and Judd Apatow, highlighting his remarkable rise and profound impact on the entertainment industry.
The film delves into the complexities of Brooks’ early career, illuminating a more vulnerable side of the comedian. His son, Nicky Brooks, shares insight into his father’s ambition, revealing, “My dad was very hungry for stardom; he really wanted desperately to be a somebody.” Despite early achievements as a writer on Sid Caesar’s “Your Show of Shows,” Brooks faced a significant setback when the show ended in 1954. He transitioned from earning $5,000 per episode to struggling financially, which severely impacted his mental health. “Without that income, I could no longer afford to see my therapist, who had been helping me manage my anxiety,” Brooks recalls, describing a period of profound despair.
Nicky reflects on the repercussions this had on their family life, noting his father’s anger and volatility during those years. This tumultuous phase was challenging for Brooks’ first wife, Florence Baum, with whom he married in 1953. They had three children before their divorce in 1962, after which Brooks married the acclaimed actress Anne Bancroft. Their relationship, as seen in the documentary, underscores the strain creativity and career ambitions can place on personal relationships.
In a candid moment, Brooks acknowledges the impact of his ambitions on Baum, admitting, “I kept getting her pregnant, and that meant she could not pursue her career.” He recognizes that his own struggles with creativity contributed to a difficult home environment. However, Brooks eventually managed to revive his career. His collaboration with Carl Reiner on the “2000 Year Old Man” comedy album in 1960 marked a turning point. This led to the creation of iconic films such as “Spaceballs,” “History of the World, Part I,” and “The Producers,” the latter earning him an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and three Tony Awards for its Broadway adaptation.
The documentary also touches on Brooks’ enduring friendship with Reiner, who passed away in 2020. Brooks poignantly recounts their final moments together, expressing his refusal to accept his friend’s death and the deep love he felt for him.
“Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!” not only celebrates the comedic genius of Brooks but also reveals the intricate layers of his life, showcasing his resilience in the face of adversity. This documentary is a tribute to a remarkable career that has shaped the landscape of comedy and continues to resonate with audiences today. It is a reminder that beneath the laughter often lies a profound struggle, making Brooks’ triumphs even more inspiring.