Still blazing after all these years: Mel Brooks at 100

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The director of The Producers hits his century as a uniquely beloved entertainer who embodies his conviction that ‘comedy is the opposite of death’ Mel Brooks’ story is that of the US and Jews and American Jewish comedy. He was born on the kitchen table of a tenement in Brooklyn a century ago in the same month Marilyn Monroe made her own entrance on the opposite coast. The son of European immigrants, Brooks was brought up by his mother after his father died when Melvin was just two years old. He was a small, sickly child and the youngest of four brothers, perhaps an explanation for an almost pathological desire for attention. In the words of his colleague Larry Gelbart : “Mel thought when he got slapped in the ass by the doctor who delivered him that was applause, and he has not stopped performing since.” In his youth, Brooks’ preferred method of making a noise was playing the drums and he was actually taught the instrument by Buddy Rich. Neither could possibly have known at the time t...
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James Earl Jones Withdraws His “Star Wars” Voice Role

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The 91-year-old actor has given his blessing for his voice to be used in digital recreations of the renowned villain he has played for over 40 years by Lucasfilm and Disney. It was reported in an article by Vanity Fair that a Ukrainian start-up company called Respeecher has been working with Lucasfilm for years to generate the distinctive voice Jones used 45 years ago. However, age has had a noticeable effect on the actor's voice, and he no longer plays the role of Darth Vader as frequently as he once did. Since the debut of the first Star Wars movie in 1977, which was later given the subtitle A New Hope, Jones has provided the voice for the powerful Darth Vader. Although he has never worn the outfit, helmet, or cape, he has offered memorable words to characters like Mark Hamill's Luke Skywalker, such as the reveal in the sequel that "I am your father." Respeecher can generate fresh discourse by employing the voices of performers from the past by utilizing archive recordings and an artificial intelligence system. According to Matthew Wood of Skywalker Sound, who Vanity Fair interviewed, Jones has been recorded "dozens of times." Wood reported that he had mentioned that he was considering how to conclude the story involving this particular character. Consequently, what should our next step be? Jones has given his approval on the technology. Still, he has continued to oversee the acts utilized in current Star Wars offerings, the most recent of which is the series Obi-Wan Kenobi on Disney+. Wood considers Jones to be a kind of godfather figure in his life. Jones's representatives did not immediately react to a request for comment from PEOPLE seeking clarification as to whether the actor will be leaving the role fully or continuing in this advisory position.

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