Madeline Kahn (September 29, 1942 – December 3, 1999) was a Massachusetts-born actress, known primarily for her comedic roles. Director Mel Brooks — who directed her in four films — said of her: "She is one of the most talented people that ever lived... I mean, either in stand-up comedy, or acting, or whatever you want, you can't beat Madeline Kahn."[1] Kahn was born Madeline Gail Wolfson in Boston, Massachusetts, the daughter of Paula Kahn and Bernard Wolfson, who was a garment manufacturer.[2][3] She was raised in a non-observant Jewish family.[4] Her parents divorced when Kahn was two, and Kahn and her mother moved to New York City. Several years later, both of her parents remarried and gave Kahn two half-siblings: Jeffrey (from her mother) and Robyn (from her father). In 1948, Kahn was sent to a progressive boarding school in Pennsylvania and stayed there until 1952.