Comedian Dave Chappelle shared a humorous yet awkward memory from his first encounter with the late actress Anne Bancroft. This moment is featured in the upcoming documentary, Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!, which celebrates the illustrious career of director Mel Brooks. The documentary is set to premiere on January 22, 2026, on HBO Max.
In the documentary, Chappelle recalls Bancroft’s warm introduction. She approached him saying, “Oh, Mel says so many wonderful things about you,” expressing her admiration for his work. Instead of responding in kind, Chappelle attempted to lighten the mood with a joke referencing Bancroft’s iconic role as Mrs. Robinson in the 1967 film The Graduate. He quipped, “Oh, you’re not trying to seduce me, are you, Mrs. Robinson?”
Chappelle quickly sensed that his joke fell flat. He reflected on how Bancroft must have heard variations of that line countless times throughout her career. The room fell silent, and Chappelle humorously noted that the only sound was the “labored breathing” of his co-star, Dom DeLuise, which added to the awkwardness of the moment. Chappelle described this experience as “really terrible and hilarious,” acknowledging the weight of delivering a joke that did not resonate.
Beyond this embarrassing moment, Chappelle expressed fond memories of Mel Brooks. He shared that Brooks often took him to lunch, where they would sometimes meet Carl Reiner, a friend of Brooks. During one lunch, Brooks and Reiner performed their renowned stand-up routine, The 2000 Year Old Man, for Chappelle, a moment he described as “the greatest comedy routine by two of the greatest comics.”
The documentary, Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!, aims to highlight Brooks’ remarkable career that spans over seven decades. It will feature interviews with notable figures like Ben Stiller, Jerry Seinfeld, Nathan Lane, Judd Apatow, and Amy Schumer, showcasing the impact of Brooks’ work on the entertainment industry.
Chappelle’s anecdote serves as a reminder of the delicate balance in comedy, where the intention to amuse can sometimes lead to unexpected outcomes. As the release date approaches, audiences can look forward to a blend of nostalgia and laughter in this tribute to a legendary filmmaker.
