Gene Wilder facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Gene Wilder
Wilder in 1970
Born	Jerome Silberman (1933-06-11)June 11, 1933 Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
Died	August 29, 2016(2016-08-29) (aged 83) Stamford, Connecticut, U.S.
Alma mater	University of Iowa (BA) Bristol Old Vic Theatre School
Occupation	Actor writer filmmaker
Years active	1961–2005 (as actor) 1998–2013 (as author)
Spouse(s)	Mary Mercier ​ ​ (m. 1960; div. 1965)​ Mary Joan Schutz ​ ​ (m. 1967; div. 1974)​ Gilda Radner ​ ​ (m. 1984; died 1989)​ Karen Boyer ​ (m. 1991)​
Children	1
Relatives	Jordan Walker-Pearlman (nephew)
Military career
Service/branch	United States Army
Years of service	1956–1958
Signature

Jerome Silberman (June 11, 1933 – August 29, 2016), known to the world as Gene Wilder, was a famous American actor, comedian, writer, and filmmaker. He was best known for his funny and often quirky roles in movies.

Wilder brought joy to many with his memorable performances. He starred in classic films like Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Young Frankenstein, and Blazing Saddles. He also worked with other great talents, including director Mel Brooks and actor Richard Pryor.

Becoming an Actor: Gene Wilder's Early Life

Gene Wilder was born Jerome Silberman on June 11, 1933, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His father was from Russia, and his family was Jewish. Gene became interested in acting when he was just eight years old. A doctor told him to try and make his sick mother laugh, and he discovered how much he enjoyed performing.

When he was 11, he watched his sister perform on stage and was amazed. He started taking acting lessons at 13. Later, his mother sent him to a military school in Hollywood, but it wasn't a good fit. He soon returned home and joined local theater groups. At 15, he performed for the first time in a play called Romeo and Juliet.

Wilder went to the University of Iowa to study Communication and Theatre Arts. After graduating, he went to the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School in England. He even became the first freshman to win the All-School Fencing Championship! He then returned to New York to continue his acting studies.

Serving His Country

In 1956, Gene Wilder joined the United States Army. He was assigned to the medical corps. He worked as a paramedic at a hospital in Pennsylvania. This allowed him to stay close to New York City for his acting classes.

His mother passed away in 1957. A year later, he left the army and went back to New York. He continued to study acting full-time, sometimes working odd jobs like a limousine driver or fencing instructor to support himself.

Gene Wilder's Amazing Acting Career

Gene Wilder's first professional acting job was in a play in Massachusetts. He also helped with the sword fights in the play. He first appeared on TV in 1961. His first movie role was in Bonnie and Clyde in 1967.

His big break came in 1967 with the movie The Producers. He was nominated for an Academy Award for this role. This movie was the start of many collaborations with the famous writer and director Mel Brooks. They worked together on hilarious films like Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein. Wilder even helped write Young Frankenstein, earning another Academy Award nomination.

Wilder was most famous for his funny roles. But he also played the iconic Willy Wonka in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971). He also made four popular movies with comedian Richard Pryor: Silver Streak, Stir Crazy, See No Evil, Hear No Evil, and Another You.

Wilder also directed and wrote some of his own films, such as The Woman in Red. He starred in three movies with his third wife, Gilda Radner. He even directed two of them. After his last acting role in 2003, he focused on writing. He wrote a memoir and five other books.

Personal Life and Helping Others

Wilder with Gilda Radner, 1986

Gene Wilder was married four times. He met his first wife, Mary Mercier, while studying acting. They married in 1960 but later divorced. He then married Mary Joan Schutz in 1967 and adopted her daughter, Katharine. They separated after seven years.

Wilder met actress Gilda Radner in 1981 while filming Hanky Panky. They became very close friends and later married in 1984. Sadly, Gilda was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1986. She fought the disease bravely, but she passed away in 1989.

After Gilda's death, Gene Wilder became very involved in helping people with cancer. He helped start the Gilda Radner Ovarian Cancer Detection Center in Los Angeles. He also co-founded Gilda's Club, a support group for people and families affected by cancer. These clubs offer a place where people can find support and understanding.

Wilder speaking in front of a House Appropriations subcommittee on ovarian cancer research

While preparing for a movie role, Wilder met Karen Webb, who helped him learn lip reading. After Gilda's death, they reconnected and married in 1991. They lived together in Connecticut.

Later Years and Passing

Gene Wilder passed away on August 29, 2016, at the age of 83. He died at his home in Connecticut from complications of Alzheimer's disease. He had been diagnosed three years earlier but kept his condition private.

His family shared that he died peacefully while listening to one of his favorite songs, "Over the Rainbow" sung by Ella Fitzgerald.

Filmography

Film

Television

Theatre

Awards and Nominations

Images for kids

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  Wilder in 1984

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  Wilder at a book signing in 2007

See also

In Spanish: Gene Wilder para niños