Mel Brooks is a writer, director, actor, and producer whose slapstick humor and social satire helped define modern American comedy. Brooks is one of 28 figures who have achieved the EGOT, meaning he's won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony.
> Check out some of the most memorable bits from Brooks' films. (Watch)
> Check out the works that earned Brooks his EGOT. (Read)
Born Melvin Kaminsky, the young Mel was originally interested in music, taking drum lessons from jazz legend Buddy Rich. He began using his mother's maiden name, Brooks, to avoid being confused with Max Kaminsky, a trumpet player. His career as a performer started in the Borscht Belt, the predominantly Jewish vacation enclave in upstate New York, where he eventually pivoted to comedy.
> Brooks got his start in comedy by flubbing a line. (Read)
> The comedian credits drumming with teaching him comedic timing. (Read)
> Brooks served in World War II, clearing land mines at the Battle of the Bulge. (Read)
Brooks got his first major writing gig in 1950 with "Your Show of Shows" before cocreating "Get Smart." In 1967, he wrote and directed "The Producers," which launched a decades-long career that yielded several comedy classics, including "Blazing Saddles," "Young Frankenstein," and many others.
> "Your Show of Shows" had a historic writer's room, including Carl Reiner and Neil Simon. (Read)
> Brooks originally wanted stand-up comic Richard Pryor to star in "Blazing Saddles." (Read)
Discover more:
> Brooks was an early champion for visionary director David Lynch. (Read)
> George Lucas gave Brooks his blessing to release "Spaceballs," a "Star Wars" parody, though he prohibited him from creating merchandise. (Read)
> The 2001 Broadway adaptation of "The Producers" broke the record for most Tony wins. (Read)
