Mel Brooks is a name that’s been echoing through comedy halls for more than seven decades. Whether it’s his iconic films, Broadway hits, or voice work, he’s left an undeniable mark on entertainment history. At 98 years old in 2025, Brooks is still one of the most celebrated figures in comedy. And his net worth? It’s just as impressive as his resume.
Let’s take a deep dive into how Mel Brooks built his legacy — and the $100 million fortune that came with it.
Starting out
Mel Brooks, born Melvin Kaminsky on June 28, 1926, in Brooklyn, New York, grew up in a Jewish household as the youngest of four brothers. His father died when Mel was just two years old. Raised by his mother, Kate Kaminsky, Mel grew up tough and quick-witted in a working-class neighborhood. That sharp humor would later become his trademark.
After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Brooks returned to the States with dreams of showbiz. He began his career in the late 1940s, first working in the Borscht Belt resorts in the Catskills as a drummer and stand-up comic. But his big break came in television.
Comedy roots
In the early 1950s, Brooks joined the writing team for Your Show of Shows, a legendary NBC comedy sketch program starring Sid Caesar. It ran from 1950 to 1954. Mel worked alongside a powerhouse team that included Neil Simon, Larry Gelbart, and Woody Allen. These years sharpened his comedic instincts and storytelling skills.
Brooks later partnered with Carl Reiner to create “The 2000 Year Old Man,” a comedy skit that became a series of successful albums. That partnership gave him major recognition. He didn’t stop there. With co-writer Buck Henry, he created the spy-spoof series Get Smart in 1965, which ran for five years and was a huge TV hit.
Big screen success
Though Mel Brooks found early success in TV, his real fame came from directing and writing feature films. His debut film The Producers hit theaters in 1967. With help from Gene Wilder, the movie earned Brooks his first and only Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. The success of The Producers marked the beginning of a new chapter.
In the 1970s, he delivered hit after hit. Blazing Saddles (1974) and Young Frankenstein (also 1974) became instant classics. Both movies have stood the test of time and are still considered among the greatest comedies ever made. Brooks had a knack for satire, and nothing was off limits — politics, race, horror, Westerns — he took it all on with wit and boldness.
Other notable works include Silent Movie (1976), High Anxiety (1977), History of the World: Part I (1981), Spaceballs (1987), and Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993). These films didn’t just make people laugh. They made serious money, both at the box office and through licensing.
Broadway and beyond
In the early 2000s, Brooks turned The Producers into a Broadway musical. It opened in 2001 and became a mega-hit, winning a record-breaking 12 Tony Awards. This stage version brought his work to an entirely new audience and added another revenue stream to his already massive portfolio.
He followed it up with Young Frankenstein on Broadway in 2007. While it didn’t hit the same heights, it still added to his reputation as a multitalented creator.
Net worth and earnings
As of 2025, Mel Brooks has an estimated net worth of $100 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. That’s the result of decades of work in film, television, theater, music, and voice acting.
Brooks has always been smart with contracts. He not only wrote and directed many of his films, but often held a financial stake in them. For example, for Blazing Saddles, he reportedly owned around 15% of the net profits. In interviews, he admitted the studios “couldn’t hide the money” because the film was such a hit. His share eventually brought him around $5 million. A similar amount came from Young Frankenstein.
He earned $35,000 for The Producers in 1967 and about $50,000 for The Twelve Chairs. His first truly massive payday came with History of the World: Part I (1981), where he secured all the foreign rights. The film grossed $35 million internationally, and Brooks made $7 million just from overseas profits.
It’s also estimated that Mel Brooks brings in about $16.5 million per year. Of course, that depends on how active he is in a given year. His earnings include royalties, licensing fees, and newer projects like History of the World, Part II, which premiered in 2023.
Awards and legacy
Mel Brooks is one of the very few entertainers in history to achieve EGOT status — meaning he’s won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. His only Oscar came in 1969 for The Producers, but he’s been nominated for others. His two 1975 nods included Best Adapted Screenplay for Young Frankenstein and Best Original Song for Blazing Saddles.
His legacy also includes 11 films directed, 49 writing credits, and 25 projects produced. He’s appeared in voice roles and cameos over the years and still makes occasional public appearances, despite his age.
Family and personal life
Mel Brooks was married to actress Anne Bancroft from 1964 until her death in 2005. They had one son, Max Brooks, who is a successful author, best known for World War Z. The Brooks family has always valued creativity and storytelling.
Even at 98, Brooks is active in Hollywood events, interviews, and comedy circles. He continues to mentor young talent and celebrate the work of late friends like Carl Reiner and Gene Wilder.
Final word
Mel Brooks’ $100 million net worth isn’t just about money. It reflects a life filled with creative risks, cultural milestones, and laughter that’s lasted for generations. He helped shape modern comedy and built a legacy that’s richer than most.
From sketch writing in the 1950s to streaming series in the 2020s, Mel Brooks has done it all — and laughed all the way to the bank.
