How Did Gene Wilder Die?
Gene Wilder died of Alzheimer's disease complications (pneumonia) on August 29, 2016, at age 83.
What was Gene Wilder's cause of death?
Gene Wilder died on August 29, 2016, at his home in Stamford, Connecticut, at the age of 83. The cause of death was complications from Alzheimer's disease, specifically pneumonia. He had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's three years prior but kept it secret because he did not want to upset children who loved him as Willy Wonka. His nephew confirmed his passing in a statement.
How old was Gene Wilder when they died?
Gene Wilder was 83 years old at the time of death.
When did Gene Wilder die?
Gene Wilder died on August 29, 2016.
Gene Wilder Biography
Jerome Silberman, known as Gene Wilder, was born on June 11, 1933, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He studied acting in New York and London before breaking through as Leo Bloom in Mel Brooks' The Producers in 1967. His role as Willy Wonka in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971) became one of the most beloved performances in film history. He co-wrote Young Frankenstein with Mel Brooks in 1974, earning an Oscar nomination. He was married to comedian Gilda Radner from 1984 until her death from ovarian cancer in 1989, after which he became a passionate advocate for cancer awareness.
Personal Life
Who are Gene Wilder's parents?
William Silberman, Jeanne Baer
Did Gene Wilder have siblings?
Yes — Corinne Silberman.
Was Gene Wilder married?
| Name | Married | Divorced |
|---|---|---|
| Mary Mercier | 1960 | 1965 |
| Mary Joan Schutz | 1967 | 1974 |
| Gilda Radner | None | None |
| Karen Boyer | None | None |
Did Gene Wilder have children?
Gene Wilder had no children.
What religion was Gene Wilder?
Gene Wilder was Jewish.
What was Gene Wilder's ethnicity?
Gene Wilder was of Ashkenazi Jewish (Russian, Polish) heritage.
Career Highlights
Movies
- Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
- The Producers (1967)
- Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)
- Blazing Saddles (1974)
- Young Frankenstein (1974)
- Silver Streak (1976)
- Stir Crazy (1980)
- The Woman in Red (1984)
TV Shows
- Will & Grace (1999–2002)
Awards
- Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor — The Producers (1968)
- Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay — Young Frankenstein (1975)
- Emmy Award nomination for Will & Grace
- Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
Facts About Gene Wilder
- He kept his Alzheimer's diagnosis private for three years to protect children who loved him as Willy Wonka
- He and Mel Brooks co-wrote Young Frankenstein which is considered one of the funniest films ever made
- He was married to comedian Gilda Radner from 1984 until her death from ovarian cancer in 1989
- After Gilda Radner's death he became a major advocate for ovarian cancer awareness
- His portrayal of Willy Wonka is consistently ranked as one of the greatest performances in cinema history
Gene Wilder Quotes
"I never wanted to be the next Charlie Chaplin or the next anything. I just wanted to do what I do."
"We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams."
Legacy
Gene Wilder's portrayal of Willy Wonka has remained one of the most beloved characters in cinema for over 50 years. Young Frankenstein is consistently ranked among the greatest comedies ever filmed. His decision to keep his Alzheimer's diagnosis private out of concern for children showed the depth of his character. He and Mel Brooks formed one of the most successful creative partnerships in comedy history.
Sources
Last verified: 2026-06-05