Gene Wilder was a renowned performer and a cherished entertainer who brought the world of cinema some iconic characters, such as Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Having been born on June 11, 1933, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to a mother who faced heart problems, Wilder made it his mission to always bring joy to her, as per the doctor’s advice to him: “Never engage in arguments with your mother, as it may be detrimental. Focus on making her laugh instead.”
This realization sparked his desire to pursue acting as a means to captivate audiences, a dream he eventually fulfilled.
Following his involvement in numerous off-Broadway productions, he was presented with a pivotal role that transformed his life and catapulted him to stardom. Prior to venturing into the film industry, Wilder opted to change his name. Originally Jerome Silberman, his father hailed from Russia while his mother had Polish roots.
A fervent reader, Wilder drew inspiration from Eugene Grant in the novel Look Homeward, Angel for his new first name, and borrowed ‘Wilder’ from Thornton Wilder, the author of Our Town.
Before landing the iconic role of Willy Wonka, Wilder gained acclaim for his performance in Mel Brooks’ timeless comedy The Producers, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Upon reading the script for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Wilder was captivated. However, he had specific ideas regarding his character, expressing them in letters to director Mel Stuart post-filming.
“For my initial entrance, I envision emerging from the doorway carrying a walking stick, progressively limping towards the assembled crowd. Upon realizing Willy Wonka’s perceived disability, the audience falls silent, abuzz with curiosity,” Wilder penned in a letter to Mel Stuart.
“As I proceed towards them, my walking stick unexpectedly embeds itself into the cobblestones I tread upon, standing upright independently; despite losing track of it, I continue my stride until the moment I stumble forward. Miraculously, I execute a flawless somersault just before hitting the ground, eliciting thunderous applause.”
This entrance added a new depth to Willy Wonka’s character.
Wilder also took a keen interest in the crafting of his character’s costumes for the film. He reportedly suggested, “While the hat is splendid, shortening it by 2 inches would render it more extraordinary.”
Upon Tim Burton’s release of the remake for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, with Johnny Depp in the titular role, Wilder expressed his discontent. “I find it rather offensive,” Wilder articulated. “Johnny Depp, undoubtedly a talented actor, but I find the director’s approach disfavorable. Though gifted, his directorial choices don’t resonate with me.”
Transitioning to other cinematic ventures, Wilder graced the screen in Blazing Saddles in 1974. Subsequently, in collaboration with Mel Brooks, he co-wrote Young Frankenstein, also starring in the film. The duo earned an Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Despite subsequent films receiving lackluster reviews, Wilder eventually retired from acting, delving into writing. He penned two novels, several short stories, and in 2005, released a memoir, Kiss Me Like a Stranger: My Pursuit of Love and Art.
“Occasionally, there were commendable films; however, they were scarce. If a compelling opportunity arises, where I deem my involvement fitting, I’d gladly partake. Regrettably, few such opportunities presented themselves,” Wilder disclosed regarding his departure from the acting realm.
“Initially, there were numerous offers, numbering, I don’t know, 15, 18 projects; nevertheless, I exercised selectivity. I refrained from projects showcasing objectionable features like 3D elements, incessant loudness, and profanity. The prevalent abundance of profanity repelled me. If explicit language was contextually warranted, I could comprehend its use. However, certain films emphasize vulgarity excessively. Why can’t they engage in meaningful dialogues instead of resorting to profanity? Such trends dismayed me significantly.”
Wilder married four times. He passed away in 2016 following a prolonged battle with Alzheimer’s. Remarkably, Wilder opted to conceal his illness from the public eye.
“He couldn’t bear the thought of diminishing the world’s joy,” his nephew, Jordan Walker-Pearlman, affirmed in an official statement.
At the time of his passing, Ella Fitzgerald’s rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow reportedly played, with his family by his side.
Approximately a year post his demise, Wilder’s widow, Kareen Webb, divulged details about his struggles during his final years.
“My husband received the news with sorrow, yet astonishing poise. Witnessing his gradual decline day by day over six years was agonizing. One instance that stood out was observing his difficulty untying his pants’ drawstrings. That evening, I removed the drawstrings. Subsequently, he struggled with removing his wristwatch, resulting in a minor cut. I secured his watch,” Webb penned in a correspondence to ABC News.
“Gene passed away fifteen months ago. I was beside him in his final moments. By then, he hadn’t spoken for days. However, on that concluding night, he gazed into my eyes and uttered, thrice, ‘I have faith in you.’”
Gene Wilder will always be fondly remembered as an individual who brought smiles to countless faces.
