Gene Wilder, the wild-haired star of unforgettable comedy films, died of Alzeimer's disease Monday at the age of 83. The United States lost a beloved actor and funnyman.
Wilder was born Jerome Silberman on June 11, 1933. His father was a Russian emigre. His mother was of Polish descent. When he was six, Wilder's mother suffered a heart attack that left her disabled. He soon began performing comedy at home to entertain her. He started taking acting classes at age 12. In 1961, he made his Broadway debut. That is when he took on the professional name of Gene Wilder.
Gene Wilder started his acting career on the stage. However, millions of people knew him from his work in film. His movies with director Mel Brooks were especially famous. They included "The Producers,'' "Blazing Saddles'' and "Young Frankenstein.''
Wilder was a master at playing nervous characters trapped in impossible, but funny, situations. In 1974’s "Young Frankenstein,'' Wilder’s character sought to build a living person from the dead.
Wilder could play cool-headed characters like the gunslinger in "Blazing Saddles.'' He also made millions of child fans with his portrayal as the main character in "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.''