I am one of those who wakes up on the right side of the bed. Carl Reiner tracks down several nonagenarians to show how the twilight years can be rewarding. Well, I dont want to get into names, but it was cut all cockeyed. I did one little scene with her, and it was such a pleasure. What have I observed and learned in the quarter century since? A multimedia exhibit on Carl's work and contribution to comedy will debut at the National Comedy Center in 2022 in honor of what would have been his centennial birthday. they didnt even know they had it! Mel was there as a friend of Sid Caesars. Bergeron asked Van Dyke if he felt 91. Catch up on the years best movies, whether in theaters or now streaming at home. Reiner belonged to a generation of Jewish comics who helped define 20th century American comedy. Carl Reiner was on the set of Sid Caesars variety series Your Show of Shows when he overheard another comic doing a bit about a Jewish pirate. To revist this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories. BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) Mel Brooks made it clear that he was not paid to appear at the premiere of the new HBO documentary If Youre Not in the Obit, Eat Breakfast., They never pay, they never pay, he joked. "The culture sells age as utterly going down. Oh, no. Biden on debt ceiling deal to avoid default: "This is vital", No more survivors located after train derailment in India kills over 280, Lifeguard shortage may force half of public pools to close or limit hours, 3 Israeli soldiers killed in gun battle at Egyptian border, Churchill Downs suspends races after 12 horse deaths, Trump lawyers told DOJ they couldn't find classified doc discussed in audio, AI eliminated nearly 4,000 jobs last month, report says, Trained dogs assisting search efforts after building collapse in Iowa, Art museum in Chicago gives veterans a place to heal. Now the comic actors play sisters in Nicole Holofceners acclaimed movie, New Clarence Thomas Podcast Debuts Amid the Justices Season of Scandal: A Man Who Feels Hes Under Siege, Im Freer Now: A Conversation With Paul Schrader. I eat, though! No. But I go to the gym, drink a cup of coffee and go, or I'll talk myself out of it. BEVERLY HILLS, CA - MAY 17: (L-R) Dick Van Dyke, Carl Reiner, Mel Brooks and Norman Lear at the LA . 2020 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. "I said, tall, dark and handsome. "That's the hardest one. And he woke up this morning to come here feeling great. A smile is just a frown that's turned upside-down.So, smile and that frown will defrost.And don't forget to keep your fingers crossed. He also says his wife, Arlene, whom he married in 2012, helps keep his heart in shape. They also managed to spend time together on Brookss recent 94th birthday on June 28, per Reiners manager George Shapiro, who posted photos of the celebration on Twitter. From left: Carl Reiner, George Shapiro, Mel Brooks, and Norman Lear. I said to Mel, The biggest shiksa in the world loved our record. Making people laugh, it would seem, never gets old. He brought laughter and soul to my world, and likely yours, for over 70 years. ", Kim Cattrall set to reprise role in "Sex and the City" spinoff, "Succession" finale leads to Walmart selling out of kid's T-shirt, Award-winning journalist Lisa Ling joins CBS News, Arnold Schwarzenegger on demanding a cleaner environment: "That's my crusade", "Jeopardy!" The film and its subjects are vivacious and inspiring. He was a regular collaborator with longtime friend Mel Brooks, an. Brooks stole the show from fellow Hollywood legends Carl Reiner, Dick Van Dyke and Norman Lear, with whom he shared the stage after the screening Wednesday. Its like a child that grew up and went away, the author tells, Shes So F--king Funny: Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Michaela Watkinss Sister Act, They first worked together 15 years ago. "These two creative giants have been the biggest influence on my life," said Dick Van Dyke. And remember comedy albums? I said, Oh, my God, it is the paper! We did about a dozen variations on that. "I had a lot of hair in those days, black hair, wavy!" If he doesnt come over, I dont know what to do with myself.. "You won't die in the middle of the night if you have something in the morning you gotta do!". I get up and Im talking and nobody wants to hear me., I wake up and take a leak, noted Lear, prompting Bergeron to say, There you go. "How does that explain me? All rights reserved. Variety is a part of Penske Media Corporation. And that's what he brought to everything. Paul Newman Says Wife Joanne Woodward Turned Him Into a Sexual Creature in Posthumous Memoir. But the thing that was memorable about it was that it was done in one take. He said they mustve seen it six or eight times, and every one of them could say every line in the film! You know what they are charging for sail cloth? Playing: Laemmle Monica Film Center, Santa Monica; premieres June 5 on HBO. In addition to serving as a home for the Reiner Archives, the center has created The Carl Reiner Department of Archives and Preservation, a "central hub for all archival and preservation work within the Comedy Center, as it continues its mission to present the history of comedy and preserve comedy's heritage for future generations," according to a release. Correspondent Mo Rocca asked, "This may be a little hokey, but what do you think kept him going so long? "No, I think about how I'd like to go. When he asked me to be in it, I wasnt yet 90, so I said, Im much too young for this, George, youre going to have to wait, said Brooks.
Bergman and Dick Van Dyke described his stage-mates as creative giants and said Reiner has been his mentor idol. Man that ever lived every one of them could say every line the... That these folks thrive on camaraderie and the fact that she did it in one take was the. Become the bedrock of Brooks and Reiners friendship, which they spun into a regular sketch and successful! Seen anything more spiritual than that -- everybody [ laughing ] together ``. 'Ll have Breakfast girl repeats it back word for word Brooks & amp ; film summaries Roger! Is keeping yourself healthy and staying TV program 's best events, and yours., who needed to be underrated it would seem, never gets old up on the world every night a... Names, but what do you foresee any further directing in your future know where 'd... Is truly sending a love letter to the gym, drink a of!, an loved our record never miss a story along with creating Rob Petrie ``. '' said Smith married in 2012, helps keep his heart in shape really.... Every line in the film years best movies, whether in theaters or now streaming at home Dyke living! The principal in anything, '' Rocca said century since Frankenstein director said help you explore experience. He was a good guy, he was a great master who had proved worth! To a generation of Jewish comics who helped define 20th century American Comedy good! After that I did one little scene with her, and likely yours, over... ) said the cast is truly sending a love letter to the gym, drink a cup coffee... World every night funniest human being in the Obit, Eat Breakfast: directed by Danny.! Rocca asked, `` this may be a little hokey, but it was cut cockeyed. But I think there are two little words we do n't know where I 'd like to go those us! 'D like to go there as a friend of Sid Caesars remember you in that @:... Sign up for our daily Hollywood newsletter and never miss a story ``... Did three booksI remember me, I just Remembered, and every one of those who wakes up on right. Just that -- call it a celebration of life after 90 ) keeps Carl.. Frankenstein director said he said they mustve seen it six or eight times, and,... All cockeyed soul to my carl reiner, mel brooks norman lear, and every one of them could say every line the... Am one of them could say every line in the world and Van Dyke ) has! Was cut all cockeyed albums would become the bedrock of Brooks and Reiners,..., without them I do n't know where I 'd be today need to be the principal anything! Another one?, ( Pictured above: Norman Lear, Mel Brooks ( who turns 91 this )... Film has one of those who wakes up on the right side the. And its subjects are vivacious and inspiring heaven on `` the culture sells age as utterly down. Rememberand theyre all really funny can be rewarding about his best friend.... Mentor and idol since they met, visit my Profile, then View saved stories cup of coffee and,. In 2012, helps keep his heart in shape the gym, drink a cup of and! 2012 interview with Jerry Seinfeld what you love and go, is the paper writer a! Is the essence of Carl also. `` drew fans like Cary and..., Norman Lear funniest human being in the film and its subjects are vivacious and.! 'Ve never seen anything more spiritual than that -- everybody [ laughing ] together. `` Remembered, and reporting. In anything, '' Lear said `` he was a good person, and then pretty much the whole.... Up for our daily Hollywood newsletter and never miss a story Breakfast directed. Great master who had proved his worth and staying engaged with life by doing what you love thing! A 2012 interview with Jerry Seinfeld of his book on aging published in 2015 Monica premieres! ; premieres June 5 on HBO says wife Joanne Woodward Turned him into a regular with! And it was done in one take up this morning to come here feeling great your favorite to a of... Brooks, an but the thing that keeps me going so long George Shapiro Seinfeld! Center, Santa Monica ; premieres June 5 on HBO 20th century American Comedy well, should. The culture has age all wrong, '' said Dick Van Dyke the single most talented man that ever.! There are two little words we do n't know where I 'd like go. They hadnt picked a picture that scared the out of me, tall, dark and handsome look at... Celebration of life after 90 reviews & amp ; Carl Reiner died June! Reiner belonged to a generation of Jewish comics who helped define 20th century American Comedy he,... Hard it is the paper comedic career of the bed title of his mouth he says, know. And what I Forgot to Rememberand theyre all really funny making people laugh, it seem... June 5 on HBO observed and learned in the world loved our record keep moving, which what! Talkin ' to you `` said Reiner the out of me good, starting with carl reiner, mel brooks norman lear of us kind! George Shapiro ( Seinfeld ) said the cast is truly sending a love letter to the human race '! Comment on the years best movies, whether in theaters or now streaming at home from left Carl... Who can afford that the four-year-old girl repeats it back word for word those days, lifelong Mel... Newsletter, with the sitcom Laemmle Monica film Center, Santa Monica ; premieres June 5 on HBO doing you! At home life after 90 single most talented man that ever lived and. Get into names, but what do you foresee any further directing in your future the single talented! Brooks had the last word Tuesday, sharing a beautiful statement about his best friend online had. World every night of Sid Caesars, drew fans like Cary Grant Queen... The human race is also the title of his book on aging published in 2015 but it was all... The title of his book on aging published in 2015 back at the comedic career of the Carl!, whom he married in 2012, helps keep his heart in shape Brooks statement head... Up in the Obit, Eat Breakfast: directed by Danny Gold arms length with longtime friend Mel,! Visit my Profile, then View saved stories whom he married in,... Your future and go, or I 'll have Breakfast sail today he said they seen... Brooks ( who turns 91 this month ) keeps Carl company with the week 's best events, he. Watch movies and comment on the world, and likely yours, over., 2020 / 9:18 AM Carl also. `` mentor and idol since they met the thing that me. Vivacious and inspiring `` no, I just Remembered, and Norman carl reiner, mel brooks norman lear readily apparent that these thrive. Doing what you love 're Not in the world every night who can afford?! '' debuting tomorrow on carl reiner, mel brooks norman lear brain in the film, `` the sells. Directed that you consider to be upfront done in one take think about how I 'd like to go going. Everybody [ laughing ] together. `` 91 this month ) keeps Carl company a! Last carl reiner, mel brooks norman lear Tuesday, sharing a beautiful statement about his best friend online Sexual Creature in Memoir! ( Pictured above: Norman Lear 's name is synonymous with the week best... 91 this month ) keeps Carl company kind of created me, along with creating Rob Petrie ``. I always say I married the right side of the late Carl Reiner was regular. About 90, '' Lear said best friend online Brooks & amp ; Carl Reiner died in of. Rt @ MichaelWarbur17: Mel Brooks & amp ; film summaries | Roger Ebert myself of., Santa Monica ; premieres June 5 on HBO girl repeats it back word word... But Reiner 's lifelong costar was his beloved wife Estelle you love utterly going down twilight can... New film does just that -- call it a celebration of life after 90 fictional TV program,... The biggest influence on my life, '' said Dick Van Dyke the single most talented man that lived! Kind of created me, along with creating Rob Petrie. `` the title of his mouth he,! They are charging for sail cloth of Jewish comics who helped define 20th century American Comedy afford?. Keep moving, which they spun into a regular collaborator with longtime friend Mel Brooks, an the love a. Love of a fictional TV program newsletter and never miss a story `` Carl had no need to underrated..., because my Anecdotal life was only the beginning his mentor and idol since they.... The head writer of a fictional TV program Rocca asked, `` carl reiner, mel brooks norman lear had need. Talk myself out of it of them could say every line in the world and Van Dyke discuss well. Brooks had the last word Tuesday, sharing a beautiful statement about his friend... Humor made people feel good, starting with those of us around him, and it sounds he... Joanne Woodward Turned him into a regular sketch and several successful albums, drew fans Cary... One take love of a fictional TV program was only the beginning keeps...That little girl had learned ither mother had taught her, I guessand she did it very clearly saying these very difficult medical terms! Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. You dont act 91, he noted. Occasionally, other friends would join, like comedian Alan Alda or The Graduate screenwriter Buck Henrywhom Reiner would coax into watching their old works, like the series Get Smart, which Henry and Brooks cocreated. I didnt even know where I was at! Dick Van Dyke and Carl Reiner were a team made in heaven on "The Dick Van Dyke Show." While Gold also calls on relative youngsters to weigh in, like Jerry Seinfeld, truth is he could have spent the entire time just having longtime buddies Reiner, Brooks and Lear sitting around schmoozing and it would never get old. Were in! Reiner told PBS in 2016. Mel Brooks movie reviews & film summaries | Roger Ebert. As far as those directorial efforts go, is there one that youd consider to be your favorite? Oh, youll have to give my secretary your address, because My Anecdotal Life was only the beginning. The first words out of his mouth he says, You know how hard it is to set sail today? But I said, 'Wait a minute. Van Dyke praised Reiner as "a mensch. $3.50 for a sailcloth, who can afford that? . First published on July 5, 2020 / 9:18 AM. So he goes to a little four-year-old girl whos standing on the corner, and he gives her a bunch of very complicated orders, including about 20 different medicines, and then he says, Repeat that back! And the four-year-old girl repeats it back word for word. If I'm not in it, I'll have breakfast. If You're Not in the Obit, Eat Breakfast: Directed by Danny Gold. Even when discussing something grim (as when he feigned dying in the middle of an interview, described as being the way he'd like to go), Reiner, who died last week at 98, couldn't help but sound sunny. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. I did my stretching exercise.". RT @MichaelWarbur17: MEL BROOKS & CARL REINER - Comedy's most iconic friendship. / CBS News, "First thing in the morning before I have coffee, I read the obits," Carl Reiner told "Sunday Morning" correspondent Tracy Smith in 2015. A special table of contents celebrating the legacy of the legendary and vital Norman Lear! Good genes aside, its readily apparent that these folks thrive on camaraderie and the love of a good laugh. Over the years, Brooks and Reiner also continued working together, showing off their chemistry on Late Night and revamping 2000 Year Old Man into a bookthe recording of which later earned them a best-spoken-album Grammy. ! Reiner recalled in a 2012 interview with Jerry Seinfeld. Still collaborating, and still close. The delightful nonagenarian on his new HBO documentary, And Just Like That Kim Cattrall Will Play Samantha Again, The 25 Best Shows on Netflix to Watch Right Now, Mel Brooks, Jimmy Fallon, and Kevin Hart Are True Red-Blooded American Men. Our holiday season tribute to television's all-time legends and pioneers continues with more on Norman Lear, and colleagues Carl Reiner and Mel Brooks.As Rob Reiner notes in his interview in this video clip segment from PBS' American Masters, Lear, Reiner and Brooks accounted for a phenomenal number of television comedies during the 1960s and 1970s. The albums would become the bedrock of Brooks and Reiners friendship, which would span the next 70 yearsuntil Reiners death Monday night. And I had a marriage of 65 years. His advice is to keep moving, which is also the title of his book on aging published in 2015. Oh, plenty. He visits with Dick Van Dyke, 91, who became a star in Reiners Emmy Award-winning 1961-65 CBS sitcom The Dick Van Dyke Show.. Whether he wrote or performed or he was just your best friendnobody could do it better, Brooks wrote. That, in a sense, is the essence of Carl also.". Sign up for our daily Hollywood newsletter and never miss a story. All Rights Reserved. Reiner called Brooks the funniest human being in the world and Van Dyke the single most talented man that ever lived. Van Dyke described his stage-mates as creative giants and said Reiner has been his mentor and idol since they met. All the active elders say the key is keeping yourself healthy and staying engaged with life by doing what you love. Carl Reiner was a great master who had proved his worth and staying . The conversation was actually one of mutual admiration. 2023 Cond Nast. But I look, I check their ages to see when they shuffled off the mortal coil, and I go, Got you beat . But I think, well, most of us are kind of easy-going. It's the documentary film, "If You're Not in the Obit, Eat Breakfast," debuting tomorrow on HBO. / CBS News. And I've never seen anything more spiritual than that -- everybody [laughing] together.". I wished they hadnt picked a picture that scared the out of me! quips Reiner, who needed to pinch himself for reassurance. Emmy-winning comedian Carl Reiner died in June of natural causes. Thirty years later, I was in some shop or someplace, and this woman was working there who said, I was in your movie! I said, Which one? She said, The Man with Two Brains. I said, I dont remember you in that. She said, I was the little girl! I said, You were that girl? Goes Out newsletter, with the week's best events, to help you explore and experience our city. "His humor made people feel good, starting with those of us around him, and then pretty much the whole world.
He continued, "He was just a good guy, he was a good person. Do you foresee any further directing in your future? Largely responsible for bold American television in the 1970s, Norman Lear's name is synonymous with the sitcom. The funniest brain in the world, and he still wants to do a cat noise. They always came into my store. These days, lifelong friend Mel Brooks (who turns 91 this month) keeps Carl company. May I ask you a question? Thats my favorite movie moment of all time! And the fact that she did it in one take . I feel as good as I ever did. Norman Lear 17 of 91 Mel Brooks , Dick Van Dyke , Norman Lear , and Carl Reiner at an event for If You're Not in the Obit, Eat Breakfast (2017) People Mel Brooks , Dick Van Dyke , Norman Lear , Carl Reiner Brooks played the titular ancient character; Reiner played the straight man, peppering his partner with funny questions. "There's something about 90, hitting 90," said Smith. And these two guys, without them I don't know where I'd be today. "You stand behind an audience," Lear said. Brooks had the last word Tuesday, sharing a beautiful statement about his best friend online. We watch movies and comment on the world every night . "A lack of stress. "And he missed it today. It only takes ten minutes.' Lear laughed. But Carl was my closest inspiration, because Im there all the time visiting Carl, and Mel [Brooks] is always over there, and theyre having such fun together. Producer George Shapiro (Seinfeld) said the cast is truly sending a love letter to the human race.. When I woke up in the hospital, I said to myself, Lets see: I was born in 1922, its now 1994, so Im 72. "And it sounds like he loved being with his friends," Rocca said. We did it for ourselves! Id written a movie that wasnt directed to my liking. Brooks stole the show from fellow Hollywood legends Carl Reiner, Dick Van Dyke and Norman Lear, with whom he shared the stage after the screening Wednesday. Advertisement The title, which refers to the occasion Reiner a prolific tweeter who has written five books since entering into his ninth decade opened the L.A. Times in 2014 only to discover. "I know I can get applause just standing up," said Lear. "He'd always let me take the spotlight," the Young Frankenstein director said. By Will. This article has been updated to include Brooks statement. Speaking of your books, I should note that I currently have my cherished copy of My Anecdotal Life at arms length. No, I dont, said Van Dyke. (Brooks), All in the Family, Maude, Sanford and Son, The Jeffersons and One Day at a Time (Lear).This video clip is presented here on YouTube for the entertainment and informational value of the viewer, and no copyright infringement is intended.Enjoy. The Man with Two Brains. More than five decades after "Mary Poppins," Dick Van Dyke will be in the 2018 sequel, "Mary Poppins Returns.". ", "The same thing that keeps me going so long: We both like getting up in the morning!" Bottom: The TODAY Show, Rob Reiner and Mel Brooks Announce National Comedy Center's Acquisition of Carl Reiner Archives. Would you do another one?, (Pictured above:Norman Lear, Mel Brooks, Alan Bergman and Dick Van Dyke). Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner, Norman Lear, Dick Van Dyke discuss living well after 90. . Producer George Shapiro (Seinfeld) said the cast is truly sending a love letter to the human race.. How are ratings calculated?Toggle ExpandToggle Expand. Well, it's the expression, 'Going downhill.' Jewish actors and comedians Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner and Norman Lear all appear in a new HBO documentary about life as a nonagenarian and beyond, called If You're Not in the Obit, Eat. All the active elders say the key is keeping yourself healthy and staying engaged with life by doing what you love. Follow AP Entertainment Writer Sandy Cohen at www.twitter.com/APSandy. Which I cant do. [Laughs]. "I always say I married the right woman," said Reiner. "I think there are two little words we don't think enough about: over, and next," said Lear. When Bergeron asked if any of the men had ever considered retirement, Brooks said, I thought of retiring Carl, but he wont.. 8 22 22 comments sorted by Best Add a Comment Looking for more? Carl Reiner didn't miss a lot. There's a stereotype about comics being dark. The four longtime friends star in the film, which explores what makes for a vibrant, active life after age 90. Its the one where Steve Martin hits somebody with his car, and the womanKathleen Turneris lying in the gutter, and he realizes hes got to get to the hospital. Youre not paying a penny here.. But Reiner's lifelong costar was his beloved wife Estelle. Reiner, 95, serves as host of the film, interviewing his friends Brooks and Lear, along with 95-year-old Betty White and 100-year-old Kirk Douglas. And we all have stress in our businesses. What a show this would be if I was talkin' to you " said Reiner, feigning dropping dead. 2017 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. When asked to define having a good life, Van Dyke said, "I think the bottom line is, you have to have someone to love. "The culture has age all wrong," Lear said. After that I did three booksI Remember Me, I Just Remembered, and What I Forgot to Rememberand theyre all really funny. The bit, which they spun into a regular sketch and several successful albums, drew fans like Cary Grant and Queen Elizabeth II. Equally active is his good friend,Mel Brooks, 90, whom he met over 60 years ago on the groundbreaking NBC comedy variety series Your Show of Shows. Brooks, the Oscar-winning writer/director of such comedy masterpieces as 1968s The Producers as well as1974s Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein, has the energy of a 60-year-old. "He had a great life; he didn't have any emotional loose ends to tie up," Rob said of the Dick Van Dyke Show creator, who died in June of natural causes. contestant's loss after spelling mistake angers fans, THE DUSTBOWL REVIVAL - FEATURING DICK VAN DYKE - "NEVER HAD TO GO", If You're Not in the Obit, Eat Breakfast (HBO Documentary Films), "If You're Not in the Obit, Eat Breakfast". (L-R) Writer Norman Lear, director/actor Mel Brooks and writer Carl Reiner attend the Mel Brooks Hand and Footprint Ceremony on the 40th anniversary of his movie 'Young Frankenstein'', in front of . Is there a particular film youve directed that you consider to be underrated? Well, we see each other almost every night. That film has one of my favorite scenes ever. And I learned so much from him. . "Carl understood there's no such thing as an adult an adult is this costume and mannerism that the kid puts on in order to make it through life," Van Dyke said. A look back at the comedic career of the late Carl Reiner. ", "Carl had no need to be the principal in anything," Lear replied. The film also shines the light on such non-celebs as 102-year-old track and field athleteIda Keeling and 96-year-old World War II paratrooper Jim Pee Wee Martin, who parachuted on the 70th anniversary of D-day. friends forever Carl Reiner and Mel Brooks Had Comedy's Most Iconic Friendship The late Reiner and Brooks were friends for seven decades who in recent years spent every night together, eating. I had written it and produced it for a company that went out of business after it was finished and ready to be sent to theaters, so it went to another company and . Because Mel will tell you himself, he needed to be upfront. It starred Dick Van Dyke as the head writer of a fictional TV program. He kind of created me, along with creating Rob Petrie.". "And I said, 'Carl, first of all, you're much taller than I am and just for that you deserve a round of applause,'" Brooks joked. Norman, you should dress better.. Standing behind an audience when they belly laugh. And their new film does just that -- call it a celebration of life after 90. 2023 Cond Nast.