What You Can Learn From the Marriage of Anne Bancroft and Mel Brooks:
Born / Died:
Anne Bancroft aka Anna Maria Louise Italiano: September 17, 1931 in the Bronx, New York. She also used the name Anne Marno early in her acting career.
Mel Brooks aka Melvin Kaminsky: June 28, 1926 in Brooklyn, New York.
Died:
Anne: She died at 73 years of age from uterine cancer on June 6, 2005 at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, New York.Although the funeral services were private, on Broadway, the lights of the Great White Way were dimmed in Bancroft's honor.
How Anne and Mel Met:
Anne and Mel met when she was rehearsing for the Perry Como television show the musical number, "Married I can Always Get." She was wearing a white suit. Mel Brooks called from offstage, "I'm Mel Brooks." She told her psychiatrist the next day that she had met the right man.
Mel bribed an employee of the television show to find out where Anne was going to have dinner that evening. He wanted to appear to accidentally meet her again so he could talk with her some more.
Wedding Date and Ceremony:
Anne and Mel were married on August 5, 1964 at the New York City Hall. They asked a passer-by to be the witness for their wedding.
Previous Marriages:
Anne Bancroft married Martin May, a building contractor, on July 1, 1953. Their marriage ended in divorce on February 13, 1957.
Mel Brooks was married to Florence Baum from 1951 to 1961. Their marriaged ended in divorce.
Children:
Anne and Mel had one son, Maximilian (Max) Michael Brooks, who was born in 1972 in New York. He married Michelle Kholos, a playwright, in 2003. Max is a screenwriter and wrote for "Saturday Night Live."
Mel and Florence had three children, Stefanie, Nicky, and Eddie who managed a band called Early Edison.
Education:
Anne attended the American Academy for Dramatic Arts, the Actors Studio, and the American Film Institute's Directing Workshop for Women at UCLA.
Mel attended the Eastern District High School in Brighton Beach, NY.
Occupations and Awards:
Anne Bancroft, an actress, director, and screenwriter, won one Oscar, two Emmys, two Golden Globes and two Tonys.
Mel Brooks served as a combat engineer defusing landmines in North Africa in the U.S. Army during World War II. He is a well known comedian, director, and film producer. He won an Oscar, an Emmy, a Grammy and a Tony.
Religion:
Mel, Judaism. Anne, Catholic.
Residences:
Homes on both coasts of the U.S.Quotes About Marriage and Their Relationship:
Susan Stroman, director and choreographer, about Mel's grief: "I speak to him almost every day. He is grieving and it is hard for him to be out in crowds. He misses her so. They were inseparable."
Source: Washington Times
Anne on the key to long term marital success: "Just working hard."
Source: News Star
Source: CNN
Mel on first meeting Anne: "I fell in love with her then and there."
Source: Eonline in an interview with columnist Liz Smith.
Anne: "The best way to get most husbands to do something is to suggest that perhaps they're too old to do it."
Source: Health Behavior
Anne: "When Mel told his Jewish mother he was marrying an Italian girl, she said: 'Bring her over. I'll be in the kitchen - with my head in the oven'."
Source: BBC
Anne about having her heart flutter when Mel comes home: "I don't quite jump for joy, but I am awfully glad to see him."
Source: News Star
Anne about her funeral: In 1995, Anne said she wanted a big funeral and that she would like her husband, Mel, to sing at it. "I'd like my husband to sing at it."
Source: Eonline
