Actor Gene Wilder dies aged 83 on 29 August 2016, he had been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
He was born Jerome Silberman in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the United States on 11th June 1933. The name change to his stage name / professional name Gene Wilder came when he was aged 26.
Gene Wilder will be remember for many, many years to come having appeared in some iconic roles including a few with director Mel Brooks.
Gene Wilder Dies But Lives On In Many Iconic Film Roles
Here are just a few films that spring to mind are these classics, and yes I’m going to start with Blazing Saddles…
Blazing Saddles (1974) Western, Comedy
- Directed by Mel Brooks – Gene Wilder plays Jim the “Waco Kid”
A short clip of the Waco Kid as played be Gene Wilder
Time for another film in which Gene Wilder teams up with Mel Brooks
Young Frankenstein (1974) Horror, Comedy
- Directed By Mel Brooks
- Stars: Gene Wilder as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein
And who can forget his performance as Willy Wonka in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)
So some great films I think you will agree, but Gene Wilder also when on to team-up with fellow comedy actor Richard Prior in several film. A few of my favourites include:
Silver Streak (1976)
Stir Crazy (1980)
See No Evil, Hear No Evil (1989)
- Strong Language
A truly great double a act proving that whether on his own or with Richard Prior he was one of the best comedy actors around. So I have looked the Mel Brooks and Richard Prior link ups so now for a few of his other films that I liked.
The Woman In Red (1984)
Gene Wilder has certainly provided us with plenty of laughs over the years!
Gene Wilder 1933 – 2016