Gene Wilder, whose real name was Jerome Silberman, was a talented actor and comedian known for his iconic role as Willy Wonka in the 1971 film "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory." Here are some interesting facts about him and his career:
Early Life and Stage Name: Gene Wilder was born on June 11, 1933, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. He adopted the stage name "Gene Wilder" at the age of 26 when he began his acting career. The last name "Wilder" was inspired by Thornton Wilder, the author of "Our Town."
First Film Role: Wilder's first major film role was in the 1967 comedy "Bonnie and Clyde," where he played a small but memorable part as Eugene Grizzard, a kidnapped undertaker. This role helped establish him as a talented comedic actor.
Collaboration with Mel Brooks: Gene Wilder had a successful collaboration with filmmaker Mel Brooks. They first worked together on the 1967 movie "The Producers," which earned Wilder an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. They also collaborated on "Blazing Saddles" (1974) and "Young Frankenstein" (1974).
Willy Wonka Role: Wilder's portrayal of Willy Wonka in "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" is one of his most iconic roles. Interestingly, he reportedly had one condition for taking the role: that he would be allowed to perform the famous entrance as Wonka, limping with a cane before revealing he can walk, in a surprising and memorable manner.
Pure Imagination: The song "Pure Imagination" from "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" is one of the most enduring elements of the film. Wilder's performance of the song is beloved by fans, and the film's soundtrack has remained popular over the years.
Personal Life: Gene Wilder was married four times in his life. His third wife was actress Gilda Radner, with whom he had a close and loving relationship until her tragic death from ovarian cancer in 1989. In her memory, Wilder co-founded the Gilda Radner Ovarian Cancer Detection Center.
Writing Career: In addition to acting, Gene Wilder was also a talented writer. He wrote several books, including a memoir titled "Kiss Me Like a Stranger: My Search for Love and Art" and a collection of short stories titled "What Is This Thing Called Love?"
Retirement from Acting: After his fourth marriage to Karen Boyer, Gene Wilder decided to largely retire from acting to focus on writing and his personal life. He did make occasional appearances in film and television, but he was no longer actively pursuing acting roles.
Illness and Passing: Gene Wilder kept his battle with Alzheimer's disease private, only revealing his diagnosis to close family and friends. He passed away on August 29, 2016, at the age of 83. His death marked the end of an era for many fans of classic comedy.
Gene Wilder's talent, wit, and memorable performances have left a lasting legacy in the world of entertainment, making him a beloved figure in the hearts of many.