While he hasn’t been seen in a feature film in over two decades, it speaks to the enduring appeal of Gene Wilder that the comedic actor remained so beloved and influential. And sadly, as 2016 continues to take some of our most treasured names from us, Gene Wilder has passed away at the age of 83.
While known for his roles in some truly iconic comedy films, many might be surprised to learn Wilder had a serious acting education, studying at the Old Vic Theatre School in Bristol, England and at the famed Actors Studio under Lee Strasberg. However, it was Mel Brooks who would bring Wilder to fame, casting him in the lead role in “The Producers,” which earned the actor an Oscar nomination and made him a frequent collaborator with the producer. The pair would go on to make two more comedy classics together, “Blazing Saddles” and “Young Frankenstein” (which would earn Wilder another Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay, which he shared with Brooks).
Another tremendously important creative partnership forged by Wilder was with Richard Pryor, with the pair (who both had writing credits on “Blazing Saddles”) starring in four films together: “Silver Streak,” “Stir Crazy,” “See No Evil, Hear No Evil” and “Another You,” the latter being the last major film role for both Wilder and Pryor (who, at the time, was battling multiple sclerosis).
Wilder’s most popular performance of his career is arguably as the titular lead in “Willy Wonky & The Chocolate Factory.” He also turned his hand to directing, helming a string of comedy pictures including “The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes’ Smarter Brother,” “The World’s Greatest Lover,” “The Woman In Red,” and “Haunted Honeymoon.”
With talents that extended to the stage and to the written page (he authored several books), Wilder’s talent was not blunted by any medium. He was a true original and a comic whose gifts were wholly his own. Gene Wilder will be deeply missed.
