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# Judd Apatow chats to Brigit Grant about how Jewish comedy genius Mel Brooks shaped his life
- URL: https://juicyjews.com/episodes/judd-apatow-chats-to-brigit-grant-about-how-jewish-comedy-genius-mel-brooks-shaped-his-life/
- Published: 2026-06-11T17:22:25.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-13T19:33:36.000Z
- Description: Judd Apatow opens up about growing up with Mel Brooks' comedy albums and how Brooks' genius and Jewish humor gave him hope as a self-described weird kid.
- Author: ian ross
- Tags: Comedy, History, Celebrity

In this brief conversation, filmmaker Judd Apatow reflects on his earliest memories of Mel Brooks, recalling how the 2000-Year-Old Man albums were part of his household from birth. He describes Brooks as a towering, almost mythic figure in comedy, comparing his presence to that of a superstar performer.

Apatow highlights Brooks' remarkable range as a multi-hyphenate talent, excelling as a performer, writer, director, and producer. He traces Brooks' comedic roots back to the Catskills and Your Show of Shows, noting the strong Jewish influence that ran through his humor.

The discussion closes on a personal note, with Apatow sharing how seeing Brooks succeed as an unconventional figure gave him hope as a self-described weird kid that he too could find his place in comedy.

### Key takeaways

- Judd Apatow grew up with Mel Brooks' 2000-Year-Old Man albums in his home from birth.
- Brooks was perceived as the funniest man on the planet, with a star presence akin to Beyoncé in comedy.
- Brooks was a true multi-hyphenate: performer, writer, director, and producer.
- His comedic style was shaped by a Catskills background and his work on Your Show of Shows.
- Jewish humor had a significant influence on Brooks' comedic voice.
- Seeing Brooks succeed inspired Apatow as a young, unconventional kid to believe he could succeed too.

### Highlights

- 0:00 — Growing up with the 2000-Year-Old Man albums
- 0:10 — Mel Brooks as the 'Beyoncé of comedy'
- 0:16 — Brooks' incredible range as performer, writer, director, producer
- 0:29 — Catskills roots and Jewish influence in his humor
- 0:39 — How Brooks gave a 'weirdo' kid hope

```chapters
00:00:00 Early Memories Of Mel Brooks
00:00:10 The Beyoncé Of Comedy
00:00:16 A Multi-Talented Force
00:00:29 Catskills And Jewish Influence
00:00:39 Inspiring A Weird Kid
```

```vtt
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```