Gene Wilder Biography: Age, Net Worth, Wikipedia, Parents, Movies, Children

Jerome Silberman, professionally known as Gene Wilder, was a distinguished American actor, comedian, writer, and filmmaker.

He is best remembered for his iconic performances in films such as Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971), The Producers (1967), Blazing Saddles (1974), and Young Frankenstein (1974).

Wilder frequently collaborated with Mel Brooks on several acclaimed films, including The Producers, Blazing Saddles, and Young Frankenstein.

He also formed a successful on-screen partnership with Richard Pryor, starring in Silver Streak (1976), Stir Crazy (1980), See No Evil, Hear No Evil (1989), and Another You (1991).

Profile

• Full Name: Jerome Silberman
• Stage Name: Gene Wilder
• Born: June 11 1933
• Died: August 29 2016
• Age: 83 years old
• Birthplace: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: American actor, comedian, writer, and filmmaker
• Height: 1.78 m
• Parent: William J. Silberman ,Jeanne (Baer) Silberman.
• Siblings: Corinne Silberman Pearl man
• Spouse: Karen Boyer (m. 1991–2016), Gilda Radner (m. 1984–1989), Mary Mercier ​(m. 1960—1965), Mary Joan Schutz ​(m. 1967—1974)
• Children: Katharine Wilder
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $20 million

Early Life And Education

Jerome Silberman was born on June 11, 1933, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States, to William J. Silberman and Jeanne (Baer) Silberman.

His father was a manufacturer and salesman of novelty items. He had one sister, Corinne Silberman Pearl man. Wilder pursued higher education at the University of Iowa, where he studied Communication and Theatre Arts, graduating in 1955.

He then continued his training at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School in England, where he developed fencing, judo, gymnastics, and voice skills.

Upon returning to the United States, he further honed his craft at the HB Studio in New York City, studying acting under esteemed mentors. He is of Russian Jewish descent, and Wilder’s religious beliefs were not widely known.

Career

Gene Wilder began his career in theater, performing in off-Broadway and Broadway productions that allowed him to refine his acting skills.

His film debut came in 1967 with a minor role as Eugene Grizzard in Bonnie and Clyde, which provided him with his first taste of Hollywood.

Though his part was small, his performance garnered attention, paving the way for more significant opportunities in the film industry.

Wilder’s breakthrough came later that same year when he starred as Leo Bloom in Mel Brooks’ The Producers (1967) alongside Zero Mostel.

While the film was initially a box office disappointment, it received widespread critical acclaim and earned Wilder an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

This success began a long-standing collaboration with Brooks, leading to classic comedies such as Blazing Saddles (1974) and Young Frankenstein (1974), the latter of which Wilder co-wrote, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay.

In 1971, he cemented his status as a Hollywood star by portraying the eccentric Willy Wonka in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. This role remains one of his most beloved performances.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Wilder continued to showcase his comedic talent, often collaborating with Richard Pryor in films like Silver Streak (1976), Stir Crazy (1980), and See No Evil, Hear No Evil (1989).

He also ventured into directing and screenwriting, helming projects such as The Woman in Red (1984) and Haunted Honeymoon (1986).

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Wilder transitioned from acting to writing, publishing several books, including his memoir Kiss Me Like a Stranger (2005). His final acting role was a guest appearance on Will & Grace in 2003, which earned him an Emmy Award.

Despite stepping away from Hollywood, he remained a revered figure in entertainment until his passing on August 29, 2016, due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease.

Social Media

Gene Wilder does not have any active social media accounts.

Personal Life

Gene Wilder was married four times throughout his life. His first marriage was to Mary Mercier, whom he met while studying at the HB Studio in New York. The couple married in 1960 but divorced in 1965 after five years together.

In 1967, Wilder married Mary Joan Schutz, a close friend of his sister. During their marriage, he adopted Schutz’s daughter, Katharine Wilder, as his only child.

However, following their divorce in 1974, Wilder became estranged from Katharine, and their relationship was never reconciled.

Wilder’s third marriage was to comedian and actress Gilda Radner, whom he met in 1981. The couple married in 1984 and shared a deep bond until Radner’s passing in 1989 from ovarian cancer.

In 1991, Wilder married Karen Boyer, a speech consultant, and they remained together until he died in 2016.

Filmography

• Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)
• The Producers (1967)
• Blazing Saddles (1974)
• Young Frankenstein (1974)
• Silver Streak (1976)
• Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
• Stir Crazy (1980)
• The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes’ Smarter Brother (1975)
• The Woman in Red (1984)
• See No Evil, Hear No Evil (1989)

Net Worth

Gene Wilder had an estimated net worth of $20 million at the time of his passing in 2016.

His wealth was primarily derived from his successful film, television, and theater career, with iconic roles in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, The Producers, and Blazing Saddles.

In addition to his earnings from acting, writing, and directing, Wilder also held valuable real estate, including a home in Bel Air, which he sold to Elon Musk for $6.75 million in 2013.