Mel Brooks Is 'Happy to Still Be Alive' as He Turns 97 Although It Was 'Not Easy' after Losing Wife

• Mel Brooks is still working at 97 and has another achievement under his belt.
• Although he is happy in his career, the actor finds difficulty living life without his wife of over four decades, who died in 2005.

At the impressive age of 97, Mel Brooks is still in high spirits as he navigates the entertainment industry after decades of success. The multitalented star is a renowned actor, comedian, and filmmaker who left an indelible mark in Hollywood.

As he recently celebrated his 97th birthday, Brooks couldn't help but look back at the colorful life he has been living, including the achievements he made in his craft.

Besides his 1969 Oscar win and two Oscar nominations in 1974 for "Young Frankenstein" and "Blazing Saddles," Brooks is set to receive yet another accolade, an honorary Oscar, presented at the 14th Governors Award. He said in a statement:

"First of all, I am very happy to still be alive. But secondly, it is so nice to be recognized by my peers in The Academy over 50 years after my last Oscar."

Brooks, who began his career as a coffee runner in the industry, has directed several notable productions, including "The Producers," "Spaceballs," and "Blazing Saddles." He also had several on-screen starring roles, such as "The Producers," for which he won an Academy Award.

As he enters yet another year of his remarkable journey, the entertainer continues to ensure his enduring legacy in Hollywood. "Mel Brooks lights up our hearts with his humor, and his legacy has made a lasting impact on every facet of entertainment," Academy President Janet Yang said.

Besides his life as an entertainer, Brooks was also a loving husband who sadly lost his wife. While the tragedy left him heartbroken, Brooks remains grateful for his time to love and cherish his one true love.

Anne Bancroft Fell in Love with Mel Brooks When He Had Nothing

Before he became the big star he is today, Brooks struggled to find financial stability in the industry. Despite his recognition, he was financially challenged as awards didn't translate to financial security.

During his first date with Anne Bancroft, he did not lie about it. While dining at the restaurant, he looked at Bancroft and said, "I'm broke." He recalled what happened next:

"She slipped me a $20 bill under the table. And the bill came up to $14 or $15. It wasn't that expensive. So, I gave the waiter a $20 bill, and I said, 'Keep it.' I got outside, and [Anne slapped me]. She said, 'Don't be such a big shot with my money.'"

Still, Bancroft fell in love with him. She was already a famous actress when they met in 1961. At the time, she was practicing her performance for "The Perry Como Show." He walked up to her and introduced himself, a gesture no man has done after she starred on Broadway.

Brooks was then married to Florence Baum and had three children, while Bancroft had already ended her union with Martin May. Brooks looked like Bancroft's father and resembled her mother's personality. In an instant, she fell for him.

On August 5, 1964, Brooks and Bancroft tied the knot at New York City Hall. Bancroft supported her husband for the first few years of their life together, knowing he had the talent and drive to make it in the industry.

With the same passion for acting, the couple shared the screen several times, including on "Curb Your Enthusiasm," "Silent Movie," "To Be or Not to Be," and "Dracula: Dead and Loving It."

Brooks and Bancroft shared a relationship many would have envied. "How many people could stand their wives for 24 hours? I could cry now," he said. "She was easy; she was fun. I liked her so much. I couldn't get enough of her."

Similarly, Bancroft swooned over her husband several times. According to the actress, he was the source of her laughter and joy. She would even get excited whenever she would hear his keys in the door.

Besides work, they shared a son, Max. Born in 1972, Max followed in his parents' footsteps as creative individuals and wrote the novel "World War Z."

With love like theirs, many wondered how Brooks and Bancroft always stayed in love. In 2013, Brooks revealed the foundation of their marriage. He said:

"Anne and I both grew up during the marriage. We both knew what was really important, and what love meant, and what doing for each other meant."

Mel Brooks' Life after Anne Bancroft's Death Was Not Easy

The couple remained married for over four decades until Bancroft's untimely death. In 2005, the beloved actress passed away after battling uterine cancer. Brooks has undoubtedly been torn apart after becoming a widower.

Admittedly, he said living is not the same as "life without her is not easy." Still, he smiles at memories with his wife and is grateful for the wonderful years they spent together.

Brooks is now a doting grandfather to Henry and Samantha through his two sons, Max and Eddie. He enjoys spending time with them and credited them for making him voice-over Vlad in the animated movie "Hotel Transylvania 2."

He has imparted wisdom to his grandkids, including his dating advice to Samantha. Although Brooks resides in Los Angeles and Samantha in New York, they maintain a close bond.

According to Brooks, his granddaughter should find a man with substance and not just consider the physical appearance. In particular, someone adventurous and creative.

Brooks' life is a testament to his creativity, hard work, and dedication, not just in his career but in his relationship. Besides being a true icon in the entertainment industry, he is also a great example of a wonderful husband to Bancroft.

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