Reiner and Brooks’ evening routine never changes: they sit and talk “about everything”, then have dinner in front of Reiner’s massive TV while they watch Jeopardy!. It seems like a pretty great life, and it is.
“I don’t think I’ve ever had a better friend than Carl,” says Brooks.
“My God, the thought of being without him – the world would be too bleak!” says Reiner, and Brooks’ face falls a little, as if he is envisaging all too clearly a world without Reiner.
“Now, come on, Carl, let her ask some questions,” he says.
I tell them I just like listening to them talk to one another.
“But you might want to ask about something specific, and Carl will be ready, willing and able to answer anything,” says Brooks, buoying them both along.
Reiner puts his hand on top of Brooks’. “Always,” he says.
‘Love and free food’: Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner share the secrets of their 70-year friendship