Gene Wilder

Gene Wilder was an iconic American actor, comedian, writer and filmmaker remembered for his comedic roles, especially Willy Wonka in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.

Age

Birth Date

June 11, 1933

Death Date

8/29/2016

Life Range

(1933-2016)

Zodiac

Gemini

Born

United States

Height

5′ 10″

About

Gene Wilder was an American actor, screenwriter, and director, best known for his comedic lead roles in films such as "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory", "Young Frankenstein", and "The Producers". As a prolific comedic film actor, Wilder earned multiple coveted awards throughout his career, including a BAFTA and Golden Globe.

Gene Wilder Timeline

1933

Gene Wilder is Born

On June 11, 1933, Gene Wilder is born in Milwaukee, WI to parents Jeanne and William Wilder.

1955

Graduates from the University of Iowa

Wilder graduates from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in theater and English.

1965

1st Broadway Role

Gene Wilder's first Broadway role was as Geroge Schneider in Neil Simon's "The Star-Spangled Girl."

1971

Breakthrough Film Role

Gene Wilder stars in Mel Brooks' classic comedy "The Producers," which launched his film career.

1974

Won 1st Golden Globe Award

Gene Wilder won his first Golden Globe Award for Best Actor - Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for his performance in "Young Frankenstein."

1976

Starred in "Silver Streak"

Wilder starred opposite Richard Pryor in the caper comedy "Silver Streak."

2016

Died at Age 83

Gene Wilder died on August 28, 2016 at the age of 83 due to complications from Alzheimer's disease.

5 Interesting Facts about Gene Wilder

1. Started Acting Late in Life

Gene Wilder started his acting career late in life, at the age of 29. He had already had a successful career as a writer and director before then.

2. Early Film Roles Weren't Lead Parts

Gene Wilder's first film roles weren't lead parts, but rather supporting roles. His breakout role was as Leo Bloom in the classic comedy The Producers.

3. Took His Stage Name from a Poem

Gene Wilder's stage name came from a poem he read in high school called "The Ballad of Reading Gaol" by Oscar Wilde.

4. Co-wrote Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory

Gene Wilder co-wrote the screenplay for the classic movie Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory with the help of David Seltzer.

5. Starred in Two Mel Brooks Films

Gene Wilder starred in two films directed by Mel Brooks - Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein - both of which are considered to be some of the best comedies of all time.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Gene Wilder birthday?

Gene Wilder was an American movie actor born on June 11, 1933. Wilder was most famous for his comedic roles such as Willy Wonka (1971) and Dr. Frankenstein (1974). He passed away at the age of 83 in August of 2016.