Date of Birth: June 11, 1933
Zodiac Sign: Gemini
Date of Death: August 29, 2016
Biography
Gene Wilder, born Jerome Silberman on June 11, 1933, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was a celebrated American actor, comedian, screenwriter, producer, and director. Wilder is best known for his iconic roles in classic films such as “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” (1971), “Young Frankenstein” (1974), “Blazing Saddles” (1974), and “The Producers” (1967). Wilder began his acting career on stage before transitioning to television and film in the 1960s. He found significant success through his collaborations with director Mel Brooks. Wilder’s portrayal of eccentric and endearing characters endeared him to audiences worldwide. His performance as Willy Wonka remains one of the most memorable in film history. In addition to his acting career, Wilder was a talented writer and director. He wrote several screenplays, including “Young Frankenstein” and “The Woman in Red” (1984), which he also directed. Gene Wilder retired from acting in the early 2000s, focusing on writing and painting. He passed away on August 29, 2016, from complications related to Alzheimer’s disease. Wilder left behind a legacy of laughter, creativity, and unforgettable performances.
5 Interesting Facts about Gene Wilder
1. Gene Wilder’s breakthrough role was as Leo Bloom in Mel Brooks’ “The Producers” (1967), for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
2. Wilder was married four times, including to fellow comedian Gilda Radner, with whom he had a profound and loving relationship until her death in 1989.
3. He co-wrote “Young Frankenstein” with Mel Brooks, and it became one of the most successful comedies of all time, earning Wilder an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay.
4. Wilder was a published author, having written several books including his memoir “Kiss Me Like A Stranger: My Search for Love and Art” and novels like “My French Whore.”
5. Wilder was a staunch advocate for cancer awareness and research, co-founding Gilda’s Club, a support organization for cancer patients and their families, in honor of his late wife, Gilda Radner.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Gene Wilder
1. “Time is a precious thing. Never waste it.”
2. “I’m funny on camera sometimes. In life, once in a while. Once in a while.”
3. “So shines a good deed in a weary world.”
4. “If you’re not gonna tell the truth, then why start talking?”
5. “We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Gene Wilder’s highest net worth achieved was approximately $20 million.
Children
Gene Wilder did not have biological children. However, he did adopt his second wife Mary Mercier’s daughter, Katharine, from her previous marriage.
Relevant Links
1. [Gene Wilder – IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000698/
2. [Gene Wilder – Biography](https://www.biography.com/actor/gene-wilder
3. [Gene Wilder – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene_Wilder
4. [Gene Wilder – Rotten Tomatoes](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/gene_wilder
