American actor and director Mel Brooks celebrated his 100th birthday on June 28. He rose to fame with his parody of Hitler in the landmark 1968 film "The Producers."

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Brooks is considered a pioneer of satire. Despite his Jewish roots, he dared to mock the Nazis in the post-WWII era, paving the way for future comedians.

In the 1970s and 80s, Brooks conquered global audiences with his ribald and unique humor. He was active in theater, film, and television.

In 2001, the musical version of "The Producers" won a record 12 Tony Awards. Brooks is one of the few entertainers to have won an Oscar, Tony, Emmy, and Grammy.

He was married to actress Anne Bancroft until her death in 2005. Despite his age, Brooks remains active in show business.

A sequel to "Spaceballs" is scheduled for 2027. The documentary "Mel Brooks: The 99-Year-Old Man!" was released in 2026.

Source: www.dw.com