Gene Wilder
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Born Name:
Jerome Silberman
Born Date: June 11, 1933
Born Place: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Died Date: August 29, 2016
Died Place: Stamford, Connecticut
Occupations: Actor, comedian, writer, filmmaker
Brief Biography: Gene Wilder was renowned for his expressive blue eyes, unruly hair, and brilliant portrayal of neurotic yet lovable characters. He is most celebrated for his legendary collaborations with Mel Brooks and his titular role in the 1971 classic Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.
Legacy:
Awards: Nominated for two Academy Awards; won a Primetime Emmy Award in 2003 for Will & Grace.
Philanthropy: Co-founded Gilda's Club Worldwide to support cancer patients after the death of his wife, comedian Gilda Radner.
Early Life and Career Breakthrough:
Wilder's desire to make people laugh began at age 8 when his mother was diagnosed with rheumatic fever and a doctor advised him to try to make her laugh. After graduating from the University of Iowa, he studied acting at the HB Studio in New York. He made his Broadway debut in 1961. His film breakthrough arrived in 1968 when he starred as Leopold Bloom in Mel Brooks’ The Producers, which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Iconic Collaborations and Leading Roles:
Mel Brooks Era: Wilder and Brooks formed a legendary creative partnership. Wilder starred in Blazing Saddles (1974) and co-wrote and starred in Young Frankenstein (1974), which earned the pair an Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Willy Wonka: In 1971, he cemented his status as a cinematic icon with his delightfully eccentric and mysterious performance in the musical fantasy Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.
Richard Pryor Era: Wilder teamed up with comedian Richard Pryor to form one of comedy’s most successful on-screen duos, starring in box-office hits like Silver Streak (1976) and Stir Crazy (1980).
Later Life as an Author:
As he grew tired of the modern Hollywood business, Wilder transitioned away from acting and began a successful second career as an author. He wrote his memoir Kiss Me Like a Stranger (2005), a collection of short stories, and several novels, including My French Whore and The Woman Who Wouldn't.
Born Date: June 11, 1933
Born Place: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Died Date: August 29, 2016
Died Place: Stamford, Connecticut
Occupations: Actor, comedian, writer, filmmaker
Brief Biography: Gene Wilder was renowned for his expressive blue eyes, unruly hair, and brilliant portrayal of neurotic yet lovable characters. He is most celebrated for his legendary collaborations with Mel Brooks and his titular role in the 1971 classic Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.
Legacy:
Awards: Nominated for two Academy Awards; won a Primetime Emmy Award in 2003 for Will & Grace.
Philanthropy: Co-founded Gilda's Club Worldwide to support cancer patients after the death of his wife, comedian Gilda Radner.
Early Life and Career Breakthrough:
Wilder's desire to make people laugh began at age 8 when his mother was diagnosed with rheumatic fever and a doctor advised him to try to make her laugh. After graduating from the University of Iowa, he studied acting at the HB Studio in New York. He made his Broadway debut in 1961. His film breakthrough arrived in 1968 when he starred as Leopold Bloom in Mel Brooks’ The Producers, which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Iconic Collaborations and Leading Roles:
Mel Brooks Era: Wilder and Brooks formed a legendary creative partnership. Wilder starred in Blazing Saddles (1974) and co-wrote and starred in Young Frankenstein (1974), which earned the pair an Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Willy Wonka: In 1971, he cemented his status as a cinematic icon with his delightfully eccentric and mysterious performance in the musical fantasy Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.
Richard Pryor Era: Wilder teamed up with comedian Richard Pryor to form one of comedy’s most successful on-screen duos, starring in box-office hits like Silver Streak (1976) and Stir Crazy (1980).
Later Life as an Author:
As he grew tired of the modern Hollywood business, Wilder transitioned away from acting and began a successful second career as an author. He wrote his memoir Kiss Me Like a Stranger (2005), a collection of short stories, and several novels, including My French Whore and The Woman Who Wouldn't.