Gene Wilder was a legendary actor and endearing entertainer who gave the film world iconic roles, such as Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Born on 11 June 1933 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the son of a mother with a heart condition, Wilder did his best to always make her laugh, as his doctor once advised him: “Never argue with your mother, you might kill her. Try to make her laugh.
A great lover of books, Wilder based his new name on the character of Eugene Grant from the book Look Homeward, Angel, and the surname comes from Thornton Wilder, author of Our Town.
Before landing the role of Willy Wonka, Wilder was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role in Mel Brooks’ classic comedy The Producers.
Nearly a year after his death, Wilder’s widow, Kareen Webb, has spoken about the difficulties he faced in the last years of his life.
“My husband took the news with grief, of course, but also with amazing grace. I witnessed his disintegration all the way through six years. One day I saw him struggling with the ties of his drawstring trousers.
Gene Wilder will always be remembered as someone who put a smile on many people’s faces.
The shocking secret this famous actor took to his grave