Mel Brooks' 100th birthday is June 28, so here's a look back (and ahead) at the creative icon's show business career. "Comedy is a very powerful component of life. It has the most to say about the human condition because if you laugh you can get by." - Mel Brooks Born Melvin James Kaminsky in New York City, June 28, 1926. Brooks is one of 22 people who have received an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony. He has won three Grammys.