Photo:David Livingston/Getty
David Livingston/Getty
Mel Brooksis still making waves in Hollywood — even as he turns 97!
As the legendary actor, filmmaker and comedian celebrates his birthday on Wednesday, Brooks shared a reflection on his life and longtime Hollywood career with PEOPLE.
“First of all, I am very happy to still be alive!” Brooks — whom the the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Monday will receive an honoraryOscarat the 14th Governors Awards in November — tells PEOPLE in a statement.
Brooks, who directed comedy classics likeThe Producers(1967),Blazing Saddles(1974) andSpaceballs(1987) among dozens of starring roles, last received an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay forThe Producersat the41st Oscars.
Mike Marsland/Mike Marsland/WireImage
In addition to Brooks' 1969 Oscar win, he also earned two nominations in 1974 for Best Adapted Screenplay (Young Frankenstein) and for Best Original Song for his work writing the title track forBlazing Saddles.
The Academy will also honorAngela Bassettand film editor Carol Littleton with honorary Oscars at this fall’s Governors Awards, scheduled for Nov. 18. Additionally, Michelle Satter, the founding director of Sundance Institute’s Feature Film Program, will receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the event.
“The Academy’s Board of Governors is thrilled to honor four trailblazers who have transformed the film industry and inspired generations of filmmakers and movie fans,” Academy President Janet Yang said in a press release issued Monday.
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“Mel Brooks lights up our hearts with his humor, and his legacy has made a lasting impact on every facet of entertainment,” Yang added in her statement.
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Brooks, whogained EGOT status in 2001when he received threeTony Awardsfor his work on the Broadway adaptation ofThe Producers,still actively works in the entertainment industry. He most recently appeared as the narrator of the Hulu seriesHistory of the World, Part II, a sketch comedy sequel to his 1981 movieHistory of the World, Part I.
The 14th Governors Awards will be held Nov. 18
source: people.com
