Legendary comedian and filmmaker Mel Brooks has spoken candidly about his profound relief that his dearest friend and creative partner Carl Reiner passed away before the tragic murder of his son, Rob Reiner. The poignant revelation came during the premiere of the new HBO documentary, Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!, which is set to air this week.
A Heartbreaking Family Tragedy
Five years after Carl Reiner died of natural causes at the age of 98 in June 2020, his son Rob Reiner and daughter-in-law Michele Singer Reiner were found dead at their Brentwood, Los Angeles home last December. Their son, Nick Reiner, is now awaiting trial, accused of their murder and potentially facing the death penalty if convicted.
Brooks' Emotional Reflection
At the documentary event, director Judd Apatow prompted Brooks by noting how many comedians cite the iconic "2000 Year Old Man" sketches by Brooks and Reiner as career inspiration. "Oh, very sweet," Brooks responded, before sombrely addressing the recent family tragedy. "Anyway, Carl, with what's happened, I'm glad that he passed away when he did."
The Blazing Saddles director elaborated with palpable emotion, stating, "I mean, he never could have survived this terrible, terrible thing." Brooks then reflected warmly on their decades-long friendship, saying, "I loved him. I loved Carl. And I used to really... There was no fake laughter. I used to really break him up. He'd grab his belly and sometimes he'd fall down."
Documentary Captures Earlier Moments
The HBO documentary, filmed and edited prior to the murders, includes moving footage of Rob Reiner recalling Brooks's presence during his father's final moments. "Mel was there when my dad died," Rob says in the film. "He just collapsed in the bathroom, and Mel came back and realized: 'Uh oh, something’s wrong.'"
Brooks himself recounts the harrowing experience in the documentary, describing how he urged ambulance workers to continue resuscitation efforts. "I was still hoping that they would put the stuff on him and boom, get him up. I kept yelling at them, 'Keep it up, keep it up,' and they thought I was crazy after an hour of yelling," Brooks shared. "I just didn’t want him to go. I just couldn’t — I wouldn’t accept it. I loved him so much."
Legal Proceedings Unfold
In a recent development in the murder case, Nick Reiner's defence lawyer, Alan Jackson, withdrew from the upcoming trial earlier this month. Speaking outside the courthouse, Jackson maintained his client's innocence, stating, "Pursuant to the laws of this state, pursuant to the law in California, Nick Reiner is not guilty of murder."
He cited "circumstances beyond our control but more importantly circumstances beyond Nick’s control" as making continued representation impossible. Conversely, LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman expressed strong confidence in the prosecution's case, proclaiming, "We are fully confident that a jury will convict Nick Reiner beyond a reasonable doubt of the brutal murder of his parents Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner."
The documentary Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man! is scheduled to air on HBO on January 22 and 23, offering an intimate portrait of the comedy icon that now carries additional, unintended poignancy in light of subsequent tragic events.
