Gene Wilder

Gene Wilder was born Jerome Silberman in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Jewish immigrants from Russia and Poland. He developed his love of acting as a child and studied at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School in England. Wilder's breakthrough came with his role in Mel Brooks' 'The Producers' (1967), beginning a legendary collaboration. He gave unforgettable performances in 'Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory' (1971), 'Blazing Saddles' (1974), and 'Young Frankenstein' (1974), which he co-wrote and earned an Oscar nomination for. His gentle, neurotic comic style and ability to blend vulnerability with wild energy made him unique. After his third wife, Gilda Radner, died of ovarian cancer, he became an advocate for cancer awareness. In later years, after his fourth wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, he focused on writing, publishing several novels and memoirs. He died in 2016, leaving a legacy of laughter and kindness.