Actor Robert De Niro, musician Bruce Springsteen and funnyman Mel Brooks are among the entertainers whose careers will be celebrated at this year's Kennedy Center Honors Gala in December.

Brooks, 83, was noted for the hilarity of his movies and musicals including "Young Frankenstein," "Blazing Saddles" and "The Producers."

De Niro, 66, has demonstrated a legendary commitment to his characters including the young Mafia godfather Vito Corleone in "The Godfather: Part 2" and the real-life boxer Jake LaMotta in "Raging Bull," the center said.

The honorees also include jazz pianist and composer Dave Brubeck and opera singer Grace Bumbry. They will be feted before America's entertainment and political glitterati on December 6 at Washington's John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.