Gene Wilder: podcast appearances and interviews

Gene Wilder, born Jerome Silberman on June 11, 1933, was an American actor, comedian, writer, and filmmaker. He was renowned for his comedic roles and notable collaborations with Mel Brooks, including the films The Producers, Blazing Saddles, and Young Frankenstein. His work with Richard Pryor in films such as Silver Streak, Stir Crazy, See No Evil Hear No Evil, and Another You also contributed to his reputation. Wilder gained widespread recognition for portraying Willy Wonka in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory in 1971. He began his career performing on stage and made his screen debut in 1961 on an episode of The Play of the Week. His first film role came in 1967 as a hostage in Bonnie and Clyde. That same year, he played Leopold Bloom in The Producers, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Wilder also starred in Woody Allen’s Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex but Were Afraid to Ask, released in 1972. He directed and wrote several of his own films, including The Woman in Red. Wilder's personal life was affected by the death of his third wife, Gilda Radner, from ovarian cancer in 1989; this led him to become active in promoting cancer awareness and treatment through initiatives such as Gilda's Club. His last acting performance was a guest role on Will & Grace in 2003, which earned him a Primetime Emmy Award. Subsequently, he focused on writing, producing a memoir and other books until his death on August 29, 2016.