Gene Wilder, author, actor, screen writer and one time husband of ‘SNL’ great Gilda Radner, (who died of cancer well before her time in 1989) died this week.
Born Jerome Silberman in 1933 in Milwaukee, WI., Gene began his career as a writer and bit role actor on Broadway and television in the early 60s, before his big break arrived in meeting rising Hollywood writer and producer Mel Brooks; Mel cast Gene in many of his works including the award winning “Blazing Saddles” a film that stands today as both iconic and socially charged.
As an actor, Gene’s film contributions include “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” “Blazing Saddles,” “Silver Streak,” “The Woman in Red,” “Stir Crazy” and the classic remake of “Young Frankenstein.”
Gene had been battling Alzheimer’s disease in recent years, passing away this afternoon at his home in Stamford, CT.
Another Hollywood great is gone. Gene Wilder, dead at the age of 83.
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