Mel Brooks reflects on his profound friendship with the late Carl Reiner in the upcoming HBO documentary, “Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!” The documentary unveils the poignant moments shared between the two legends, particularly emphasizing the heartbreaking night of Reiner’s passing in 2020.
Brooks recounts his steadfast refusal to accept Reiner’s fate as he collapsed in his Beverly Hills home, sharing, “I just didn’t want him to go. I just couldn’t — I wouldn’t accept it. I loved him so much.” He reminisces about their deep bond formed over decades of collaboration, starting from their early days on the NBC variety show “Your Show of Shows” in 1950, where they created beloved sketches like the “2000 Year Old Man.”
Rob Reiner, Carl’s son, reflects on the importance of Brooks in their family’s life, noting how the bond between Mel and Carl transcended friendship and evolved into a paternal relationship. “He just collapsed in the bathroom, and Mel came back and realized, ‘Uh oh, something’s wrong,’” Rob recalled, explaining how his father died shortly after that moment.
The documentary reveals that Mel stood by Carl during his final hours, desperately hoping for a different outcome as EMTs arrived. “I kept yelling at them, ‘Keep it up, keep it up,’ and they thought I was crazy after an hour of yelling,” he said. Despite the tragedy, Brooks continued to honor Reiner’s legacy by visiting and sharing meals with the family in the months that followed.
The rich history between Brooks and Reiner has left an indelible mark not only on comedy but also on each other’s lives. Their partnership bore great achievements, including a Grammy award for the comedy album “The 2000 Year Old Man in the Year 2000.” Reiner’s admiration for Brooks shines through as he described him as a “genius,” acknowledging not just the quality but the volume of work Mel has produced over the years.
“Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!” premieres on HBO on January 22, promising an intimate look at the life and legacy of one of comedy’s greatest duos. Their story is a testament to the enduring power of friendship and collaboration in the entertainment industry, offering a glimpse of joy amid the sorrow experienced by the Reiner family. This documentary ultimately celebrates their incredible bond, ensuring that their legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.