Their journeys remind us that even the most familiar faces on our screens have stories that began long before the spotlight found them.
Mel Brooks: From a Brooklyn Childhood to the European Front
Born Melvin Kaminsky on June 28, 1926, in Brooklyn, New York, Mel Brooks grew up in a working-class family. From an early age, he was drawn to entertainment and had a natural ability to make people laugh.
But his teenage years coincided with one of the darkest periods in modern history.
In 1944, Brooks entered the United States Army. He initially received military training through a specialized program and later completed basic training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
His service eventually took him to Europe, where he served with the 78th Infantry Division and later the 1104th Engineer Combat Group.
His responsibilities were far removed from the comedy that would eventually define his life. As a combat engineer, Brooks helped clear German land mines and booby traps so Allied troops could advance safely.
He also experienced the dangers of the Battle of the Bulge, one of the major military engagements of World War II.
