Mel Brooks warns: ‘Politically correct society will be the death of comedy’

The comedian, responsible for the likes of Blazing Saddles, said society’s newfound “stupidly politically correct” nature will be “the death of comedy”.

“It’s okay not to hurt feelings of various tribes and groups. However, it’s not good for comedy,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.

“Comedy has to walk a thin line, take risks.

“Comedy is the lecherous little elf whispering in the king’s ear, always telling the truth about human behaviour.”

Still, the star admitted that there are still certain things he considers to be off-limits.

“I personally would never touch gas chambers or the death of children or Jews at the hands of the Nazis,” he added.

“Everything else is OK.”

Now 91, Brooks has had an incredible career, and became one of Hollywood’s most successful film directors in the 1970s.

He is also on the small list of EGOT winners, having bagged an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award.

Brooks has recently expressed his interest in remaking Blazing Saddles (1974) for the stage.

The film, made on a budget of less than $3 million, took a comparatively astronomical $119.6 million at the box office.