What's After the Movie
Gene Wilder
Gene Wilder (born Jerome Silberman, June 11, 1933 – August 29, 2016) was an American actor, comedian, writer, and filmmaker known for his distinguished comedic roles and his portrayal of Willy Wonka in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971). He frequently collaborated with film director Mel Brooks on films like The Producers (1967), Blazing Saddles (1974), Young Frankenstein (1974), and had a successful working relationship with fellow comedian Richard Pryor. Wilder's acting career began on stage and transitioned to film and television, starting with a series episode of The Play of the Week in 1961. He garnered critical acclaim and Academy Award nominations for his roles in The Producers and Young Frankenstein.
Wilder later ventured into writing and directing, with credits like The Woman in Red (1984). With his third wife, Gilda Radner, he starred in three films, and after her death from ovarian cancer in 1989, he became a staunch promoter of cancer awareness and treatment. He turned to writing following his last acting performance on Will & Grace in 2003, which won him a Primetime Emmy award. He produced a memoir, Kiss Me Like a Stranger (2005), and five other books. His final years saw a retreat from acting, opting for writing and painting instead.
Biography, Career & Filmography
Learn more about Gene Wilder, including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how Gene Wilder rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.
Given Name: Jerome Silberman
Born: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
Citizenship: American
Birthday: June 11, 1933
Occupations: Actor, Writer, Filmmaker, Comedian
Years Active: 1961-2005 (as actor), 1998-2013 (as author)
Children: 1
Spouses: Mary Mercier, Mary Joan Schutz, Gilda Radner, Karen Boyer
External Links and Streaming Options
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Awards and Nominations Received by Gene Wilder
Explore the awards, honors, and nominations Gene Wilder has earned across their acting career. From prestigious wins to critical acclaim, see how their talent has been recognized by the film industry and major award bodies.
Best Performance in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical (Actor)
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate FactoryMovies Featuring Gene Wilder
The Producers
Young Frankenstein
Blazing Saddles
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex * But Were Afraid to Ask
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
Silver Streak
The Frisco Kid
The Woman in Red
Stir Crazy
See No Evil, Hear No Evil
Haunted Honeymoon
Remembering Gene Wilder
Richard Pryor: Omit the Logic
Private Screenings: Robert Osborne
Mel Brooks: Make a Noise
Mel Brooks: Unwrapped
Pure Imagination: The Story of ‘Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory’
Richard Pryor: I Ain’t Dead Yet, #*%$#@!!
EXPO: Magic of the White City
Frankenstein: A Cinematic Scrapbook
Another You
Hanky Panky
Funny About Love
Sunday Lovers
Hello Actors Studio
The Making of ‘The Producers’
The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes’ Smarter Brother
The World’s Greatest Lover
The Little Prince
Quackser Fortune Has a Cousin in the Bronx
Start the Revolution Without Me
Scarecrow
Thursday’s Game
Death of a Salesman
The Lady in Question
Role Model: Gene Wilder
Alice in Wonderland
Marty Feldman: Six Degrees of Separation
Murder in a Small Town
Making Frankensense of Young Frankenstein
Rhinoceros
Career Timeline
Track the complete movie timeline of Gene Wilder, including all film releases, career breakthroughs, and notable roles. Follow their journey from early performances to recent blockbusters and upcoming projects.
2013
Richard Pryor: Omit the Logic
George / Skip Donahue (archive footage)
Mel Brooks: Make a Noise
Self (archive footage)
1999
The Lady in Question
Larry 'Cash' Carter
Alice in Wonderland
Mock Turtle
Murder in a Small Town
Cash Carter
1991
Frankenstein: A Cinematic Scrapbook
Dr. Frankenstein (archive footage)
Another You
George / Abe Fielding
1974
Young Frankenstein
Blazing Saddles
The Little Prince
The Fox
Thursday’s Game
Harry Evers
Rhinoceros
Stanley
1972
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex * But Were Afraid to Ask
Scarecrow
Lord Ravensbane
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