Mel Brooks Reveals His Pick for Funniest Modern Comedy Star
Comedy legend Mel Brooks has revealed which 21st-century performer makes him laugh the most, and his answer might surprise you.
When it comes to comedy, Mel Brooks has always had a soft spot for the stars of his own generation. Born in 1926, Brooks often points to the comedians who shaped his early years and career as the gold standard. He’s long insisted that Harry Ritz was “the funniest man ever,” a performer who first made waves in the 1920s. Brooks’ admiration for Madeline Kahn is also well-known, once saying she could be “the single best comedian that ever lived.” Of course, he worked closely with Kahn on several of his most iconic films, including Young Frankenstein, High Anxiety, and History of the World, Part I, and she earned an Oscar nomination for her role in Blazing Saddles. Alongside the Ritz brothers, Brooks has always held the Marx Brothers and the Three Stooges in high regard, considering them among the greatest comedic talents to ever grace the screen.
Classic Influences and Personal Favorites
Brooks’ preferences often reflect a sense of nostalgia, with his choices rooted in the era that shaped his comedic sensibilities. His collaborations with legends like Gene Wilder and Carl Reiner further cemented his belief that the best laughs came from the past. Yet, Brooks doesn’t dismiss the talents of today’s comedians. He once said that Sacha Baron Cohen was the closest thing modern Hollywood had to a true comedic successor, but even that wasn’t his top pick.
Spotlight on a Modern Comedy Powerhouse
In a 2010 interview, Brooks was asked to name his favorite contemporary comedian. Without missing a beat, he responded,
“Seth MacFarlane, the creator of Family Guy. I think Family Guy is really very good. Very little makes me laugh out loud, but that makes me laugh out loud.”
While opinions may differ on whether MacFarlane deserves the title of the greatest comic actor of the 21st century, there’s no denying his impact. MacFarlane has built a television empire with shows like Family Guy, The Cleveland Show, and American Dad, all of which have entertained millions for years.
Success on the Small and Big Screen
MacFarlane’s achievements aren’t limited to television. On the big screen, he’s had both hits and misses. Ted was a massive box office success, though its sequel didn’t quite measure up, and A Million Ways to Die in the West—his clear attempt at a modern Blazing Saddles—fell flat with audiences. Still, Brooks’ decades of experience in comedy give weight to his opinion. If he believes MacFarlane stands out among the new generation of comedic talent, it’s a view that carries real authority.