Mel Brooks is entering his centennial year with some kind words of admiration from a fellow comedian.
Actor and singer Josh Gad shared some sweet photos on social media with Brooks in honor of the comedy legendโs big 100th birthday on June 28. Gad, who co-wrote the upcoming sequel to Brooksโ iconic 1987 โStar Warsโ parody film โSpaceballs,โ had some lovely things to say about the centenarian.
โFor the past five years, I have had the greatest gift in my lifeโฆ collaborating with and working alongside my comedy idol,โ Gad wrote on Instagram of Brooks, who is also reprising his role as the beloved character Yogurt in the โSpaceballsโ sequel. โToday we celebrate 100 years of his life and legacy. He has made us laugh and hurt on the big screen, the small screen, the stage and even on our record players.โ
Gad added: โThere is nothing he hasnโt won, nothing he hasnโt achieved, nothing he hasnโt proven and yet at 100, he continues to surprise and thrill us.โ
The series of 20 photos posted to Gadโs social media features snapshots from his time working with Brooks on the โSpaceballsโ sequel. In nearly every shot, Brooks, known for his joyful disposition, is grinning from ear-to-ear.
Citing a number of Brooksโ ongoing projects including the West End production of the legendโs iconic musical โThe Producersโ and the upcoming television adaptation of 1974 hit โYoung Frankenstein,โ Gad wrote that the โbest is still yet to comeโ for the 100-year-old.
โI love you Mel. I cannot wait for the world to see this next chapter,โ Gad wrote. โThank you for your trust and your partnership.โ
Brooks, who was born in 1926 in Brooklyn, is critically acclaimed for his work at the helm of a number of boundary-pushing films. He previously credited his longevity to his sense of humor.
โItโs an amazing sound, people laughing at something I created,โ Brooks told People in January. โMaking comedy is a great job. It keeps you sane and happy. It gives you a reason to be alive.โ