Madeline Kahn (September 29, 1942 – December 3, 1999) was an American actress, comedian and singer, known for her comedic roles in films directed by Peter Bogdanovich and Mel Brooks; including What's Up, Doc? (1972), Young Frankenstein (1974), High Anxiety (1977), History of the World, Part I (1981), and her Academy Award nominated roles in Paper Moon (1973) and Blazing Saddles (1974).