Mel Brooks Biography: Melvin James Brooks born Melvin Kaminsky on June 28, 1926 is an American actor, comedian, filmmaker, and songwriter whose career has spanned over seventy years. Renowned for his work in writing and directing broad farces and parodies, Brooks is one of the rare entertainers to achieve EGOT status—having won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award.
Mel Brooks Biography
Mel Brooks, born Melvin Kaminsky on June 28, 1926, in Brooklyn, New York, served in World War II before launching his entertainment career. After the war, he worked as a drummer in Catskills nightclubs and later developed a comedy act. He also worked in radio and served as Master Entertainer at Grossinger’s Resort before transitioning into television.
Mel Brooks Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
Melvin James Kaminsky
June 28, 1926 New York City, U.S.
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|---|---|
| Alma mater | Virginia Military Institute |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1949–present |
| Works | Full list |
| Style |
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| Spouses |
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| Children | 4, including Max |
| Relatives | Phyllis Italiano (sister-in-law) |
| Category | Singers Bio |
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Mel Brooks Personal Life
Brooks began his TV writing career on Your Show of Shows (1950) and Caesar’s Hour (1954), and contributed to the Broadway musical Shinbone Alley. He later co-created the iconic comedy routines The 2000 Year Old Man (1975) and the hit satirical TV series Get Smart (1965), before moving into a hugely successful film career as a writer, actor, producer, and director. He became widely known for his genre-parody films, including Blazing Saddles (1974), Young Frankenstein (1974), Silent Movie (1976), High Anxiety (1977).
About Mel Brooks
Melvin James Brooks is an American actor, comedian, filmmaker, and songwriter. With a career spanning over seven decades, he is known as a writer and director of a variety of successful broad farces and parodies.
Mel Brooks Achievements
Throughout his celebrated career, Brooks has received numerous honors, including the Kennedy Center Honor (2009), a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2010), the AFI Life Achievement Award (2013), a British Film Institute Fellowship (2015), the National Medal of Arts (2016), a BAFTA Fellowship (2017), and an Honorary Academy Award (2024).
Mel Brooks Wiki
- Born: 28 June 1926 (age 99 years), Brooklyn, New York, United States
- Spouse: Anne Bancroft (m. 1964–2005), Florence Baum (m. 1953–1962)
- Children: Max Brooks, Stephanie Brooks, Eddie Brooks, Nicky Brooks
- Awards: Academy Honorary Award, AFI Life Achievement Award ·
- Height: 1.65 m
Early Life and Education
Mel Brooks was born Melvin James Kaminsky on June 28, 1926, in a tenement kitchen in the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. He was raised in Williamsburg by his mother, Kate Brookman Kaminsky his father, Max Kaminsky His father’s family were German Jews originally from Danzig (now Gdańsk, Poland), while his mother was a Jewish immigrant from Kyiv, in what was then the Pale of Settlement in the Russian Empire (now Ukraine).
Brooks had three older brothers—Irving, Lenny, and Bernie. Tragically, his father died from kidney tuberculosis when Mel was just two years old. Reflecting on that loss, Brooks has remarked, “There’s an outrage there. I may be angry at God, or at the world, for that. And I’m sure a lot of my comedy is based on anger and hostility. Growing up in Williamsburg, I learned to clothe it in comedy to spare myself problems—like a punch in the face.”
Mel Brooks Facts
Where does Mel Brooks live? And how much money does Mel Brooks earn?
| Birth Date | 28-6-1926 |
| Heritage/origin | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Religion – believes in God? | Jewish |
| Residence | He owns a house in New York City, New York, United States. |
Mel Brooks Net Worth 2025
| Estimated Net Worth | 100 million Dollar |
| Yearly Salary | N/A |
| Product Endorsements | Life Stinks |
| Colleagues | Gene Wilder & Carl Reiner |
Houses
- house ($10 million)
Mel Brooks: Single, Dating, Family & Friends
Who is Mel Brooks dating in 2025?
| Relationship status | Single |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Partner | Currently in no confirmed relationship |
| Ex-girlfriends or ex-wives | Anne Bancroft, Florence Baum |
| More info | Was previously married and divorced |
| Has any kids? | Yes, father of: Max, Nicky, Stephanie, Eddie |
Family
Names of father, mother, kids, brothers & sisters:
- James Kaminsky (Father)
- Kate Kaminsky (Mother)
Skin, Hair & Eye Color
This cool attractive talented actor, director originating from Brooklyn, New York City, New York, United States has a slim body & square face type.
| Hair color | Grey |
| Hair type | Straight |
| Hair Length | short hair |
| Hairstyle | dressy |
| Distinct feature | cheekbones |
| Skin Tone/Complexion | Type II: Fair skin |
| Skin Type | Normal |
| Beard or Mustache | Beardless |
| Eye Color | Green |
| Does Mel Brooks smoke? | No, never |
Height, Weight, Body Measurements, Tattoos & Style
| Height | 165 cm |
| Weight | 57 kilo |
| Clothing style | alternative |
| Favorite colors | black |
| Feet size | N/A |
| Does Mel Brooks have a tattoo? | No |
FAQs
How much is Mel Brooks’ house worth?
Mel Brooks owns a residence in New York City estimated to be worth around $10 million.
What is Mel Brooks’ source of income?
Mel Brooks earns from multiple entertainment avenues including acting, directing, producing, writing, and comedy, as well as endorsements and royalties from his classic works.
Does Mel Brooks still earn money from his movies?
Yes, Mel Brooks continues to earn residuals and royalties from his iconic films, such as Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, and Spaceballs.
Who are some of Mel Brooks’ most frequent collaborators?
Gene Wilder and Carl Reiner are among Mel Brooks’ most notable collaborators throughout his career in film and comedy.
Does Mel Brooks have any brand endorsements?
Yes, one of Mel Brooks’ known endorsements is the film Life Stinks, a project he also wrote, directed, and starred in.
How much is Mel Brooks worth in 2025?
As of 2025, Mel Brooks has an estimated net worth of $100 million, built over a career spanning more than seven decades.