Comedian Dave Chappelle recently recounted an awkward moment from his first encounter with the late actress Anne Bancroft, wife of acclaimed filmmaker Mel Brooks. The incident occurred during the production of the upcoming HBO documentary, Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!, where Chappelle reflects on a humorous but poorly received joke he made during their initial meeting.
During their introduction, Bancroft warmly approached Chappelle, expressing her admiration for him. “Oh, Mel says so many wonderful things about you,” she told him, showering him with praise. Instead of responding formally, Chappelle attempted a joke referencing Bancroft’s iconic role in the 1967 film The Graduate, where she famously played Mrs. Robinson. He quipped, “Oh, you’re not trying to seduce me, are you, Mrs. Robinson?”
Chappelle quickly realized that this line was likely a well-worn cliché for Bancroft. The atmosphere shifted as an uncomfortable silence followed his remark, leaving the comedian to reflect on the moment. He humorously noted that the only sound in the room was the “labored breathing” of his co-star from Robin Hood: Men in Tights, Dom DeLuise. “That was really f—– terrible and hilarious,” he later remarked about the incident.
Reflecting on his experiences with Mel Brooks, Chappelle shared fond memories of their time together. He recounted how Brooks would occasionally treat him to lunch, during which they would often encounter legendary comedian Carl Reiner, who was directing a film nearby. Chappelle described witnessing Brooks and Reiner perform their classic routine, The 2000 Year Old Man, calling it “the greatest comedy routine by two of the greatest comics.”
The documentary, Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!, aims to celebrate Brooks’ illustrious career, which spans over seven decades. Set to premiere on HBO Max on January 22, 2026, it will feature interviews with notable figures in comedy, including Ben Stiller, Jerry Seinfeld, Nathan Lane, Judd Apatow, and Amy Schumer.
Chappelle’s humorous recollection not only highlights the challenges of comedic timing but also pays tribute to the enduring legacy of both Bancroft and Brooks in the world of entertainment.
