David Lynch paid final tribute to Mel Brooks just months before he died Bryan Alexander, USA TODAYJanuary 23, 2026 at 8:45 PM 0 How eager was Hollywood to pay tribute to comedy icon Mel Brooks in the "The 99 Year Old Man!" documentary? Legendary director David Lynch, who was battling severe emphysema, agreed to speak to filmmakers Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio for the HBO documentary (Part 2 premieres Jan. 23, 8 p.m. ET/PT). The interview took place just months before the "Blue Velvet" director died last January.
- - David Lynch paid final tribute to Mel Brooks just months before he died
Bryan Alexander, USA TODAYJanuary 23, 2026 at 8:45 PM
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How eager was Hollywood to pay tribute to comedy icon Mel Brooks in the "The 99 Year Old Man!" documentary?
Legendary director David Lynch, who was battling severe emphysema, agreed to speak to filmmakers Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio for the HBO documentary (Part 2 premieres Jan. 23, 8 p.m. ET/PT). The interview took place just months before the "Blue Velvet" director died last January.
"Even David Lynch, who had stopped doing interviews because of his health, agreed to do one with us," says Bonfiglio. "That was because he loved Mel so much."
Mel Brooks opens up about grief: The comedy icon talks about missing wife Anne Bancroft in 'The 99 Year Old Man!'
Director David Lynch paid his respects in "Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!" months before he died.Mel Brooks chose a then-unknown David Lynch to direct 'The Elephant Man'
Lynch was an up-and-coming director when he was tapped by executive producer Brooks to direct the 1980 drama "The Elephant Man," which was financed by Brooks' production company Brooksfilms.
The serious drama about a severely deformed man (played by John Hurt) living in 19th-century London was a huge gamble for Brooks, known for his screwball comedies "Blazing Saddles" and "Young Frankenstein." Choosing a newcomer like Lynch, who had only made the 1977 film "Eraserhead," was another big risk.
But "Elephant Man" was a hit, nominated for eight Academy Awards, including best picture and best director. Lynch's career exploded because of Brooks' faith.
"That's the mind of an amazing producer," says Apatow. "Mel Brooks is the guy who really discovered David Lynch and fought for his point of view in 'The Elephant Man.'"
Mel Brooks often spoofs Hitler's mustache by using a comb, as he did accepting the Tony for Best Musical for "The Producers," in 2001. Mocking the dictator was a way to diminish him and rob him of "his posthumous power and myths," he has said. "If you can make people laugh at him, then you're one up on him."
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Mel Brooks often spoofs Hitler's mustache by using a comb, as he did accepting the Tony for Best Musical for "The Producers," in 2001. Mocking the dictator was a way to diminish him and rob him of "his posthumous power and myths," he has said. "If you can make people laugh at him, then you're one up on him."
">Mel Brooks often spoofs Hitler's mustache by using a comb, as he did accepting the Tony for Best Musical for "The Producers," in 2001. Mocking the dictator was a way to diminish him and rob him of "his posthumous power and myths," he has said. "If you can make people laugh at him, then you're one up on him."
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1 / 1See Mel Brooks' legendary career
Mel Brooks often spoofs Hitler's mustache by using a comb, as he did accepting the Tony for Best Musical for "The Producers," in 2001. Mocking the dictator was a way to diminish him and rob him of "his posthumous power and myths," he has said. "If you can make people laugh at him, then you're one up on him."
In the documentary, Lynch recalls having to screen "Eraserhead" for Brooks and being sure the comedy filmmaker would end the discussions.
"But the film ended, and the doors blew open, and Mel came rushing towards me," Lynch says. "He embraced me and said, 'You're a madman, I love you, you're in.' "
Mel Brooks with Judd Apatow during an interview for "The 99 Year Old Man!"Who else appears in the Mel Brooks documentary 'The 99 Year Old Man!'
Rob Reiner, the son of Brooks' best friend, the late Carl Reiner, makes a posthumous appearance in the documentary.
Jerry Seinfeld, Dave Chappelle (who appeared in Brooks' "Robin Hood" spoof "Men in Tights"), Ben Stiller, Adam Sandler, Conan O'Brien, Jimmy Kimmel and Sarah Silverman pay tribute to the comedy master.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: David Lynch honored Mel Brooks in documentary just before he died
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Published: January 23, 2026 at 05:37PM on Source: RED MAG
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