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Gene Wilder

Gene Wilder (born Jerome Silberman on June 11, 1933 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin) is best known for his many collaborations with writer, producer, director Mel Brooks. Gene Wilder made many movies with Brooks starting with The Producers in 1968. He was nominated for an Academy Award for best supporting actor for his role in The Producers. He was also nominated for an Academy Award for co-writing Young Frankenstein with Mel Brooks.

His first big part was in Bonnie and Clyde where he played an undertaker abducted by the couple.

Perhaps one of his best known roles is that of Willy Wonka in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

In the late 1970s and 1980s he appeared in a number of movies with Richard Pryor, making them the most prolific inter-racial comedy double act in movies during the period.

Wilder was married to Saturday Night Live actress Gilda Radner from 1984 until her death from ovarian cancer in 1989. Since then he has remained active in promoting cancer awareness and treatment.


Note: This profile was written in or before 2004.

Gene Wilder Facts

Birth NameJerome Silberman
OccupationActor
BirthdayJune 11, 1935 (88)
SignGemini
BirthplaceMilwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Height5' 10½" (1m79)  How tall is Gene Wilder compared to you?
Awards2003 Emmy Awards: Outstanding Guest Actor In A Comedy Series (for Will & Grace)

Selected Filmography

Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory 40th Anniversary Edition
Expo
The Mel Brooks Collection
Blazing Saddles
Young Frankenstein
The Producers
Bonnie and Clyde
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