Mel Brooks, an American director and producer, is known for directing parody films, such as, Spaceballs, History of the World: Part 1, and Robin Hood: Men in Tights. Mel Brooks was born in Brooklyn, New York and served in WWII, which influenced his films, as many of his films ridicule Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany. Mel Brooks’ films always feature a male main character, the main villain always has facial hair, and he frequently includes Jewish references and jokes. Despite being known for directing comedies, Mel Brooks has also produced a number of serious dramas.