At an age when most people are blowing out birthday candles with quiet grace, Mel Brooks and Dick Van Dyke brought the house down — quite literally — in a moment that no one at the private celebration in Los Angeles will ever forget.
As the music to “Step in Time” from Mary Poppins began to play, the two comedy icons surprised guests by springing into an impromptu dance — no rehearsals, no cues, just pure showbiz magic. With perfect timing, playful energy, and unmatched charm, they turned a simple song into a standing ovation-worthy performance. It was the kind of moment only nine decades of friendship and stage experience can produce.
Legends Who Never Retire
This unforgettable celebration came just weeks after the HBO documentary If You’re Not in the Obit, Eat Breakfast premiered, a film that showcases the vibrant lives of those who remain active and inspired well into their 90s — and beyond. Featuring Brooks, Van Dyke, Carl Reiner, and Norman Lear, the film is a celebration of purpose, humor, and staying young at heart.
“They never pay. They never pay,” Mel Brooks quipped at the premiere. “How funny I was tonight and I don’t get a penny.”
True to form, Brooks stole the spotlight with his trademark wit, even among an ensemble of legendary friends. The film, produced by Seinfeld‘s George Shapiro, includes not only these four titans of comedy but also remarkable non-celebrities — a 101-year-old runner, a 100-year-old pianist, and a 98-year-old yoga teacher — each proving that age is just a number when passion is involved.
Words of Wisdom from Comedy’s Finest
Each of the stars shared their secrets to longevity and joy. For Dick Van Dyke, it’s simple: “Keep moving.” It’s a motto he lives by both on and off screen — he still dances regularly with his wife and recently returned to the silver screen in the new Mary Poppins sequel.
Norman Lear, now well over 100, remains busy with a reboot of his iconic series One Day at a Time. Carl Reiner finds purpose through writing, recently completing a new book aptly titled Too Busy to Die.
As for Brooks? “I just say eat bran,” he joked.
More Than Just a Laugh
Hosted by Tom Bergeron, the post-screening panel was filled with admiration and heartfelt praise. Carl Reiner called Brooks “the funniest human being in the world.” Van Dyke returned the compliment, calling Reiner “my mentor and idol” and referring to his fellow panelists as “creative giants.”
The night wasn’t all serious reflection. The men playfully sparred over who had the nicest shoes (Brooks won), joked about retirement (Brooks considered retiring Reiner, not himself), and even threw in a few political jabs for good measure.
“Well, I have the most money here — except for Norman,” Brooks teased. “Norman, you should dress better.”
Still Stealing the Show
If You’re Not in the Obit, Eat Breakfast is more than a documentary — it’s a love letter to aging with purpose, passion, and humor. As the cameras rolled and the credits played, the real magic happened off-screen: two old friends dancing into their 99th year, still laughing, still performing, still inspiring.
And if their impromptu birthday number is any clue, Mel Brooks and Dick Van Dyke aren’t stepping off stage any time soon.
