Mel Brooks – Age, Net Worth, Movies and TV Shows (2025)

Mel Brooks, born Melvin Kaminsky on June 28, 1926, remains one of the most influential figures in American comedy. At 99 years old in 2025, the legendary filmmaker, actor, writer, and producer is still alive and celebrated for a career that spans film, television, and Broadway. Known for irreverent parodies like The Producers and Blazing Saddles, Brooks’s work has shaped modern humor.

His journey from a Brooklyn childhood to wartime service and ultimately to Hollywood stardom is a remarkable story. Along the way, he earned every major entertainment award, joining the exclusive EGOT club. This article provides a comprehensive look at his life, films, net worth, and current status.

For readers curious about other iconic figures, explore the career update on Howard Stern – Net Worth, Biography and 2025 Career Update.

Is Mel Brooks Still Alive? How Old Is He?

Yes, Mel Brooks is still alive as of 2025. He was born on June 28, 1926, in Brooklyn, New York, making him 99 years old. Multiple authoritative sources, including Britannica and Biography.com, confirm his age and living status. His full name at birth was Melvin Kaminsky, though he later adopted the stage name Mel Brooks.

Mel Brooks at a Glance

Key Insights on Mel Brooks

• He is one of the few entertainers to achieve EGOT status (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony).
• His comedy often parodies specific film genres and historical events.
• He earned an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for The Producers in 1968.
• He co-created the iconic television series Get Smart with Buck Henry.
• His Broadway musical adaptation of The Producers won a record 12 Tony Awards in 2001.
• He remains active on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.

Snapshot Facts

What Are the Best Mel Brooks Movies and TV Shows?

Mel Brooks’s filmography is a masterclass in parody. His first feature film, The Producers (1968), won him an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. It tells the story of a scheming Broadway producer who oversells shares in a flop. This film established his signature blend of satire and musical comedy.

In 1974, he released two of his most beloved films: Blazing Saddles, a sharp satire of Westerns and racism, and Young Frankenstein, a loving tribute to classic Universal monster movies. Both are frequently cited as among the greatest comedies ever made.

Notable Films Directed or Written by Mel Brooks

• The Producers (1968)
• The Twelve Chairs (1970)
• Blazing Saddles (1974)
• Young Frankenstein (1974)
• Silent Movie (1976)
• High Anxiety (1977)
• History of the World, Part I (1981)
• Spaceballs (1987)
• Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993)
• Dracula: Dead and Loving It (1995)

Television Work

Before his film career, Brooks wrote for classic variety shows like Your Show of Shows and Caesar’s Hour, working alongside Sid Caesar. He co-created the hit spy parody Get Smart with Buck Henry. He also had a recurring role as “Uncle Phil” on the sitcom Mad About You, which earned him Emmy Awards for three consecutive seasons from 1997 to 1999, according to PBS.

What Is Mel Brooks’s Net Worth in 2025?

A precise, publicly confirmed net worth for Mel Brooks is not available from major financial sources. However, credible entertainment and financial publications have estimated his wealth. Because he earned income from blockbuster films, successful Broadway productions, and long-running television residuals, estimates range from $50 million to $100 million. These figures are not officially audited but are widely cited across the industry. For context, Celebrity Net Worth suggests a range that aligns with this general estimate.

What Is Mel Brooks Doing Now?

As of 2025, Mel Brooks is not actively working on new feature films or major theatrical productions. His most recent significant project was the streaming series History of the World, Part II, which was released in 2023. He maintains a public presence primarily through his verified social media accounts, where he occasionally shares humorous posts and interacts with fans. His official X (Twitter) account offers a direct window into his current personality and humor.

Brooks resides in Los Angeles, California, and his health details remain private. Public appearances are rare but he has been seen at award ceremonies and industry events in recent years. His legacy is firmly established, and his work continues to be studied and celebrated by new generations.

Timeline: Key Milestones in Mel Brooks’s Life

1. 1926: Born in Brooklyn, New York.
2. 1944–1945: Served in the U.S. Army as a combat engineer during World War II.
3. 1950s: Became a comedy writer for Your Show of Shows and Caesar’s Hour.
4. 1965: Co-created the television series Get Smart with Buck Henry.
5. 1968: Directed and wrote his first feature film, The Producers, winning an Oscar for Original Screenplay.
6. 1974: Released two iconic comedies, Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein.
7. 1987: Directed the sci-fi parody Spaceballs.
8. 1997–1999: Won three consecutive Emmy Awards for his role on Mad About You.
9. 2001: The Broadway musical adaptation of The Producers won a record 12 Tony Awards.
10. 2023: Released the Hulu series History of the World, Part II.

What Is Certain and What Remains Unclear?

Why Mel Brooks Matters

Mel Brooks revolutionized comedy by using parody and satire to critique society, history, and the entertainment industry itself. His fearless approach in the 1970s pushed boundaries and influenced countless comedians, directors, and writers. His films remain culturally relevant, often quoted and referenced in modern pop culture.

His achievement of EGOT status—winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award—places him in an elite group of entertainment legends. He also received the AFI Life Achievement Award and the Kennedy Center Honors, cementing his place as a foundational figure in American humor. For more on influential performers, read about Elliott Gould – Biography, Age, Net Worth, and Iconic Roles.

Sources and Quotes

“I’m a comedian. I like to make people laugh.”

— Mel Brooks, Britannica

“Mel Brooks’s genius lies in his ability to find the absurd in the serious and the serious in the absurd.”

— PBS American Masters

“He remains one of the most decorated comedy figures in American entertainment history.”

— BroadwayWorld

Summary: The Legend of Mel Brooks

Mel Brooks, aged 99 in 2025, is alive and remains a towering figure in comedy. From his World War II service to his innovative films and EGOT achievements, his career is a testament to creative longevity. While his net worth is estimated between $50 and $100 million, his true legacy is the laughter he has generated across generations. His influence will continue to be felt as long as people appreciate smart, irreverent humor.

Frequently Asked Questions