Ep 3. AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Mel Brooks

The American Film Institute's annual salute to Hollywood legends continues in season 39 with episode 3, "AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Mel Brooks." This episode honors the career of legendary comedian, writer, producer, and director Mel Brooks.

The episode features a star-studded lineup of Brooks' colleagues, friends, and admirers, who pay tribute to his iconic career and lasting impact on the entertainment industry. Through interviews, personal anecdotes, and clips of his most memorable works, the episode celebrates the life and legacy of a true Hollywood icon.

Brooks' groundbreaking career began in the 1950s with his work as a writer and performer on the Sid Caesar variety show "Your Show of Shows." He went on to create some of the most iconic comedy films of all time, including "Blazing Saddles," "Young Frankenstein," and "The Producers," for which he won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

In addition to his film work, Brooks has also made lasting contributions to television, theater, and music. He created the hit sitcom "Get Smart" and has produced a number of successful Broadway shows, including the musical adaptation of "The Producers."

Throughout the episode, Brooks' famous friends and collaborators speak to his singular comedic vision and unmatched talent. Interviewees include fellow directors like Robert De Niro, Martin Scorsese, and Quentin Tarantino, as well as comedy legends like Carl Reiner, Billy Crystal, and Tracey Ullman.

The episode also explores Brooks' Jewish heritage and how it has informed much of his work, from his early days in the Borscht Belt to his more recent one-man show "Mel Brooks: Live at the Geffen." Experts in Jewish studies and comedy, including Rabbi David Wolpe and comedian Sarah Silverman, discuss how Brooks' work has reflected and influenced Jewish culture and humor.

Overall, "AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Mel Brooks" is a fitting tribute to a true Hollywood legend. Through interviews, clips, and personal reflections, the episode celebrates the life and work of a comedy icon whose influence will continue to be felt in the entertainment industry for years to come.