By: Minnie-Lee Bush
“As they say in Corsica….Goodbye”- Gene Wilder
It is with great remorse that America weeps once again for the loss of one of the great American Actors. Gene Wilder lost his life on August 29, 2016 due to difficulties with Alzheimer’s Disease. Though his death was unexpected, his memory will truly be cherished by all.
On June 11, 1933 in Milwaukee, WI one of the most iconic actor, screenwriter, film director, and author Gene wilder was born Jerome Silberman. He was married four times, leaving behind his widow Karen Boyer and his daughter Katherine Wilder. Gene Wilder was an inspiration on and off the screen. A man with such talent that he will go down in the great history books of Hollywood.
Wilder first got his big break on an off-Broadway production of Roots. From there Wilder’s career grew on the Broadway stage and later to the big silver screen. In 1967 Wilder’s first big feature “Bonnie and Clyde” gained him a lot of attention pushing his career even further. His most well-known movies are Willy Wonka and the Chocolate factory (1971), Woody Allen’s Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex But were too Afraid to Ask (1972). Blazing Saddles (1974), and Young Frankenstein (1974).
Wilder was a man of many talents who not only showed on the big screen but behind it as well. In 1975 Wilder made his director debut with the movie The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes’ Smarter Brother. When wilder wasn’t on the big screen, his mind was writing My French Whore and The Woman Who Wouldn’t.
Gene Wilder was an inspiring man who put his heart in everything he did. The shocking news of his death left many of his fans surprised. It has been knowing that he was ill but wilder kept secret the severity of his illness. Wilder’s family was accustomed to his illness. In an interview with Variety, Gene Wilder’s nephew Jordan Walker-Pearlman exclaimed the reason the family kept the secret of the severity of his illness “wasn’t vanity, but more so that the countless young children that would smile or call out to him “there’s Willy Wonka,” would not have to be then exposed to an adult referencing illness or trouble and causing delight to travel to worry, disappointment or confusion. He simply couldn’t bear the idea of one less smile in the world.”
Gene Wilder proved to many what great strength can do. He was an inspiration for others to keep fighting no matter the battle. After the loss of his second wife, Saturday Night Live Alum and actress, Gilda Radner, to cancer, Gene became an open advocate for women’s health. After his own battle with Lymphoma Gene became a strong advocate for stem cell research.
Gene Wilder was a true man who would stop at nothing to just make his family and friends smile and laugh. His legacy will live on in the hearts of his fans and the movies that will live on forever. With wise words Gene wilder once said “Time is a precious thing, never waste it”.
@.(2016). Gene Wilder, ‘Willy Wonka’ Star and Comedic Icon. Dies at 83. Retrieved September
06, 2016, from httpvariety.com/2016/film/news/gene-wilder-dead-dies-willie-wonka-
young-frankenstein-1201846745/