It’s been a harrowing few weeks for the country. It’s yet another reason to remind you that not everything sucks. I’d forgotten about this landmark until I saw this tweet from Herriman biographer and Laissez Boy, Michael Tisserand:
Mel Brooks is 92 years old today. Pictured with Carl Reiner.
Here's to the laughter provokers. Here's to the greats. pic.twitter.com/IoEek9KLoz
— Michael Tisserand (@m_tisserand) June 28, 2018
Mel Brooks is one of my comedic heroes. He awakens funny, is funny for lunch, and hilarious for dinner. He never stops, even at the advanced age of 92 He’s a national treasure. Here’s the great comic with Dick Cavett:
Here’s a comedy summit meeting featuring Mel Brooks and Johnny Carson:
I have one more clip for your entertainment, here’s the birthday boy with his dear friend Carl Reiner:
Happy Birthday, Mel. Here’s the obligatory ending, for me at least:
Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner, Buck Henry, Bob Newhart all still with us. Ain’t that something?!
Proof that not everything sucks.
Two years ago, I attended a screening of Blazing Saddles at Radio City Music Hall. After the movie, there was a Q and A with The Man Himself, Mel Brooks.
Well, it was supposed to be a Q and A; I think the moderator was lucky to get 1 or 2 questions in. Mel came out so full of energy he couldn’t stay seated — he jumped up and stalked the stage for an hour, telling jokes, telling stories, answering questions and kept the entire audience in stitches the whole time.
A man half his age would envy his energy and acuity. It was magical and I feel so lucky to have been there.