Rob Reiner makes posthumous appearance in 'Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!' documentary

The two‑part documentary, directed by Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfigli, debuts on Jan 22 and 23 on HBO

Legendary filmmaker Rob Reiner will appear posthumously in the upcoming HBO documentary Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!, offering heartfelt insights into the decades‑long friendship between his late father, Carl Reiner, and comedy icon Mel Brooks.

The two‑part documentary debuts on January 22 and 23 on HBO and was directed by Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio.

Reiner’s contributions to the film were recorded in May 2024, before his tragic death in December 2025, when he and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were killed in their Los Angeles home.

His appearance adds an emotional resonance to the project as he reflects on his father’s profound relationship with Brooks, which spanned 70 years of collaboration and friendship.

In the documentary, Reiner recalls early memories of meeting Brooks when he was a young child and how the comedian became a fixture in the Reiner family home.

He describes how his father would play straight man to Brooks in their famous comedy routines, such as The 2000 Year Old Man, and notes, “My father was like a second banana. He never felt like he needed to be the star. He would push Mel into a corner that would make Mel explode with creativity and humor.”

Reiner also offers touching reflections on Brooks’ reactions after Carl’s death. “Mel was there when my dad died,” he says, recounting how Brooks found Carl after he collapsed at home. “My dad died right after that.”

Reiner says Brooks continued visiting the family home “for months and months and months” afterward to watch television and share dinner, underlining the depth of their bond.

Brooks, now nearly 100, appears in the film as well, recounting his efforts to keep paramedics working on Carl’s behalf and his own struggle with loss. “I just didn’t want him to go. I wouldn’t accept it. I loved him so much,” Brooks shares, capturing his grief and admiration for his friend.