Love, Gilda 2018

The documentary intricately explores the life of the beloved comedian Gilda Radner, showcasing a blend of nostalgic home movies from her formative years and insightful interviews with her peers in comedy. Notably, the film features audio tapes voiced by Gilda herself, offering a personal touch to her story.

Born and raised in Detroit, Gilda discovered her passion for performance thanks to her father, who introduced her to the theater. Tragically, he passed away from a brain tumor two years later, leaving her in the care of her mother, brother, and a devoted nanny—who would later inspire her iconic character Emily Litella on Saturday Night Live.

After graduating high school, Gilda pursued her dreams by enrolling at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, but her desire to perform took precedence. She dropped out, moving to Toronto, where she was cast in Stephen Schwartz’s musical Godspell. It was there that she shared the stage with Martin Short, accompanied by music from Paul Schaffer. Reflecting on those Toronto days, interviews with Short, Schaffer, and Schwartz add a rich context to her early career as she later joined the renowned Second City Troupe in Toronto.

Gilda’s journey continued as she became a prominent performer on the National Lampoon Radio Hour, sharing the spotlight with notable figures like Chevy Chase](/actor/chevy-chase), Bill Murray, and John Belushi. Her comedic genius eventually shone through as she became the first performer ever cast on Saturday Night Live, produced by Lorne Michaels. The documentary features clips from Lorne’s interview that highlight the significance of her contributions, alongside commentary from cast members such as Chevy Chase, Laraine Newman, Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, and writer-turned-performer Bill Hader.

In 1980, Gilda bid farewell to Saturday Night Live and embarked on a brief marriage with guitarist G.E. Smith. However, she found her true love in comic actor Gene Wilder, with whom she shared a profound connection. Their marriage lasted for five cherished years until Gilda tragically succumbed to ovarian cancer. Despite her brief life of just 43 years, she left an indelible mark on comedy, creating unforgettable characters like Emily Litella, Roseanne Roseannadanna, and Baba Wawa.

This heartfelt documentary serves as a loving tribute to the life and legacy of comedian and icon Gilda Radner, bringing her memorable characters and remarkable journey to the forefront once more.