Malibu’s Mel Brooks will leave a lasting impression on the world of comedy. Of course, we always knew that, but now, on the 40th anniversary of his comic masterpiece, “Young Frankenstein,” Mel has literally left his mark in cement. The mastermind behind everything from “Blazing Saddles” to “The Producers” to “High Anxiety” joins other Hollywood legends with his hand and footprints at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre.
Born Melvin James Kaminsky in Brooklyn, N.Y., young Mel served in WWII, but came back to the Catskills to make his mark in comedy. In the process, he changed the face and pushed the boundaries of entertainment. In 2013, he was honored by the American Film Institute (AFI) in one of Malibu Seen’s “Parties of the Year.”
The hand-foot ceremony was held last week at the one and only Hollywood movie palace, built by Sid Grauman in 1927.
Mel Brooks lands a place on an impressive roster of recent honorees, including Robert DeNiro, George Clooney, Johnny Depp, Sandra Bullock, Jerry Lewis and Jane Fonda.
Considered by many to be “the scariest” comedy of all time, “Young Frankenstein” riffs on Mary Shelley’s classic horror story and starred laugh-out-loud icons like Gene Wilder, Peter Boyle, Cloris Leachman, Marty Feldman, Teri Garr and Madeline Kahn.
After 40 years, it has stood the test of time and ranks number 13 on AFI’s list of the 100 funniest films ever made.
“Thank you and goodnight Herr Doktor.” Now that’s ‘UTTIN’ ON THE ‘IITZ!
SOMETHING TO STING ABOUT
Congrats are also in order for Malibu music man Sting, who’ll join local Tom Hanks as one of the 2014 Kennedy Center Honorees. The prestigious prize will be presented on Sunday, Dec. 7, in Washington, D.C.
The honorees, which also include soulful, smooth singer Al Green, funny lady Lily Tomlin and ballerina Patricia McBride, will be recognized at the 37th annual ceremony.
They are set to be seated alongside President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama and are being lauded for “their lifetime contributions to American culture through the performing arts.”
In the words of Kennedy Center Chairman David M. Rubenstein, “The honors celebrate five extraordinary individuals who have spent their lives elevating the cultural vibrancy of our nation and the world.”
He went on to praise, “Al Green’s iconic voice which stirs our souls in a style that his all his own; Tom Hanks who ranks among the greatest actors of any generation; Patricia McBride who continues to carry forward her legacy for future generations; Sting’s unique voice and memorable songwriting; and Lily Tomlin who has made us laugh and who amazes us with her acting talent and quick wit.” From Ernestine to Forest Gump, audiences continue to marvel in “every step they take.”