Happy Birthday to Comedy Legend, Mel Brooks!

I wish listeners across the Tri-States a Happy Birthday each day on the Good Morning Rodeo. Indeed, it's one of my favorite show segments.

Typically as part of the morning birthday wishes, I will also recognize the birthdays of various celebrities. The list I receive each morning will often include "celebrities" that I don't recognize or feel compelled to highlight, such as a Youtuber or a Kardashian. So I make a judgment call on who to add to our local list.

This morning I gave a shoutout to a legendary funny man and one of the iconic comedy film writers and directors of our time, Mel Brooks.

As I shared a few of his films, I was struck by how much humor and laughter Mel Brooks has generated in his 96 years of life.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, in 1926, Brooks' acting, writing, and directing career spans seven decades. But unfortunately, he didn't have an easy life with his father passing away from tuberculosis at just 34 years old.

Brooks shared his humor came from his childhood pain, saying,

"There's an outrage there. I may be angry at God or the world for that. And I'm sure a lot of my comedy is based on anger and hostility. But, growing up in Williamsburg, I learned to clothe it in comedy to spare myself problems—like a punch in the face." - Mel Brooks

Upon returning from his WWII service, Brooks set out to become a musician, then a comedian, actor, and eventually writer and director to make some of our most memorable comedies for the stage, television, and silver screen.

The credits are too long to list, but his comedic parodies and farcical films are widely recognized for pointing out and making audiences laugh at the absurdities of religion, race, and society in general.

In honor of his career and life, I feel it a fitting tribute to give him a shoutout from the Good Morning Rodeo- Happy Birthday Mel Brooks!

Although somewhat politically incorrect by today's standards, a big thank you for sharing his quirky humor with the world. Enjoy a few clips and interviews from Mel Brooks's life.

(Note video clips may contain profanity, violence or nudity)

Distributor Copywrite Credit: 20th Century Studios Youtube Channel: Joe Maccini

Distributor Copywrite Credit: 20th Century Studios Youtube Channel: MOV Clips

Distributor Copywrite Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures Youtube Channel: Oh! That Guy.

Distributor Copywrite Credit: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Youtube Channel: Oh! That Guy.

Distributor Copywrite Credit: CBS News Youtube Channel: CBS Sunday Morning