EGOT winner Mel Brooks has carved out a legendary career as an actor, filmmaker, and comedian, but his personal life is just as fascinating. Over the years, he’s had two marriages that shaped his life and career in profound ways. His first wife, Florence Baum, was a Broadway actress, and his second, Anne Bancroft, became his lifelong partner. Keep reading to learn more about these two incredible women who played such pivotal roles in Mel’s life.

Meet Mel Brooks’ First Love: Florence Baum

Before Mel became a household name, he served in the U.S. Army during the early 1940s. Once he returned home, he set his sights on comedy writing, where he quickly made a name for himself. It was during this time that he met Florence Baum, a talented Broadway actress who had already made waves in shows like Gentleman Prefer Blondes, Top Banana, and Two’s Company. Florence also graced the screen as a dancer on The Jackie Gleason Show from 1952 to 1953.

Mel and Florence tied the knot in 1953, and their marriage brought them three children: Stephanie Brooks, Nicky Brooks, and Eddie Brooks. Each of their kids followed in their parents’ footsteps, pursuing successful careers in entertainment. Though the couple divorced in 1962, their time together undoubtedly left a lasting impression on Mel’s life and career.

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Mel Finds His Soul Mate in Anne Bancroft

Just a year after his divorce from Florence, Mel found love again with Anne Bancroft, a powerhouse actress in her own right. Before meeting Mel, Anne had been married to lawyer Martin May. Known for her incredible performances in both film and theater, she earned multiple Tony Awards for her work on Broadway. It’s no surprise that Mel was smitten by her talent and charm.

Mel Brooks Late Wife, Ex-Wife: Actor’s Marriage History — Berliner Studio/BEImages

Mel and Anne first crossed paths in 1961 when she appeared on The Perry Como Show. In a November 2019 interview with Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz, Mel fondly recalled their meeting. “She finishes the song. It’s a rehearsal, so you can talk. And I scream out, ‘Anne Bancroft, I love you!’” he exclaimed. “She said, ‘Who are you?’ I said, ‘I’m Mel Brooks!’ She said, ‘I got your record!’ You know, I did a record with Carl Reiner, 2000 Year Old Man.”

From that moment, Mel knew he was in love. The couple tied the knot in 1964, and Anne was there when Mel hit his big break in 1967 with The Producers, earning him an Oscar for directing. In 1972, they welcomed their son, Max Brooks, who would later become a successful writer in his own right.

Throughout their marriage, Mel and Anne worked together on several projects, including The Elephant Man (1980), where Anne starred alongside Anthony Hopkins and John Hurt. They also shared the screen in the 1983 film To Be or Not to Be. Their partnership was a true collaboration of hearts and minds.

Tragically, Anne passed away in 2005 after a battle with uterine cancer at the age of 73. Mel was devastated but grateful for the 41 years they shared. “Living this life without her is not easy,” he told People in November 2021.

Despite the heartbreak, Mel cherishes the memories of their incredible romance. “She always said, ‘Follow your heart. It will be a good adventure,’” he reflected. “What an adventure life turned out to be!”