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About

Mel Brooks is a celebrated American actor, filmmaker, comedian, and songwriter with a career spanning over seven decades. Renowned for his broad farces and parodies, he has written and directed numerous highly successful comedies. Brooks is one of the few entertainers to have achieved EGOT status, winning an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony Award. His contributions to comedy have been recognized with numerous lifetime achievement awards.

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Career Timeline

1951C$0.1M

Your Show of Shows writer

Began his career as a comedy writer for Sid Caesar's groundbreaking television show, working alongside Carl Reiner and Neil Simon. This launched his professional comedy career.

1965B$2M+$1.9M

Get Smart co-creator success

Co-created the spy spoof sitcom that became a massive hit, earning multiple Emmy Awards. The show's success established him as a major comedy writer and producer.

1968A$5M+$3M

The Producers wins Oscar

His directorial debut won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, launching his film career. The irreverent comedy established his signature style of genre parody.

1974S$15M+$10M

Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein

Released two of the most successful comedies ever made in the same year, both becoming cultural phenomena. His status as comedy royalty was cemented with these groundbreaking films.

1987A$35M+$20M

Spaceballs extends comedy empire

His Star Wars parody became a cult classic and introduced his work to a new generation. While not his biggest hit, it demonstrated his enduring relevance in comedy.

2001S$60M+$25M

The Producers Broadway triumph

His musical adaptation broke Broadway records with 12 Tony Awards, the most in history. Achieving EGOT status, he joined the most elite club in entertainment.

2013S$85M+$25M

AFI Lifetime Achievement Award

Received the American Film Institute's highest honor, cementing his legacy as one of comedy's greatest innovators. His films were inducted into the National Film Registry for cultural significance.

2026S$100M+$15M

Living comedy legend at 99

Remains one of the few living EGOT winners and a universally revered icon of American comedy. His films continue to influence generations of filmmakers, and he's celebrated as an entertainment immortal.

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Last updated: February 17, 2026