Gene Wilder Made Lasting Impact

A Tribute to the Man who Made the World a Little Wilder

“Hold your breath, make a wish, count to three…..”

“Bonnie and Clyde,” “Blazing Saddles,” “The Producers,” “Young Frankenstein,” and of course, the classic everyone knows, “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.”

As we tour the career of the individual whose face graced the cover of all these memorable hit films, we can only come to the conclusion that Gene Wilder was a man amongst boys in the field of satirical cinema.

“Come with me, and you’ll be, in a world of pure imagination.
Take a look, and you’ll see, into your imagination.”

“Pure imagination” is the perfect way of describing Gene Wilder in just a couple of words. Because the name itself was the very product of a profound imagination; more specifically, the imagination of a young boy by the name of Jerry Silberman, who grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to a family of four. Silberman would derive the stage name when he was 26 years old to appeal to the demanding Hollywood industry.

“We’ll begin, with a spin, travelling in the world of my creation.”

In the earliest years in the making of Wilder’s eventual “creation,” he would experience great fortune, a phenomenon particularly uncommon in his industry of choice. This success could be attributed to another cinema legend who we now recognize as Wilder’s “second half”: Mel Brooks. The seasoned director proved to be a fitting compliment to Wilder’s talents. The two would partner to produce a plethora of iconic comedic works that flourished under the impeccable execution of Wilder’s acting, bringing magical life to characters Brooks produced. Some of these famous film figures included Dr. Frederick Frankenstein from the horror parody “Young Frankenstein” and Jim “The Waco Kid” from the Western satire “Blazing Saddles.”

Despite their long history together, Wilder’s well-known works in Hollywood were not limited to those done with Brooks. “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” forced Wilder outside of his comfort zone acting under the direction of a different Mel: Mel Stuart. This iconic portrayal of the mysterious chocolate factory owner in the Roald Dahl book adaptation earned the comedic star an Oscar nomination and a place in the hearts of most children living during the film’s 1972 release date.

“What we’ll see, will defy, explanation.”

And Wilder’s achievements undoubtedly did just that: “defy explanation.” The late legend is celebrated for demonstrating not only comedic skills, but all those that pertain to acting as a whole. In addition to generating laughs, Wilder knew how to complete a character with his ability to sing, dance, and add an emotional depth to what would seem, at first glance, like unserious roles. And thus he is remembered as an actor and not just as a comedian.

To conclude, the actor known as Wilder leaves an unforgettable legacy far beyond the stage. While it is true that he is decorated with a Primetime Emmy Award, two Golden Globe nominations, and two Academy Award nominations, Wilder accomplished so much more than that. He was a patron to his community, contributing to aid in the field of cancer care through his charity entitled “Gilda’s Club,” created in memory of his wife, fellow actress, and cancer victim, Gilda Radner. The foundation provides social and economic support to the thousands of families across America that have to endure the long, strenuous struggle of the disease. Contributions like this one defined Wilder’s character. When his time came in 2013 when he was diagnosed with the Alzheimer’s Disease, Wilder further demonstrated this compassion for others, choosing to keep his condition private on the basis that “He couldn’t bear the idea of one less smile in the world,” as cited by a close family member in an official statement released to the public after the tragedy.

Jerry “Gene Wilder” Silberman passed on Aug. 29 at 83 years of age; however, his bravery, selflessness, and artistic genius would ensure that his spirit lived on in the minds of his admirers, untainted by the negative stigma associated with mental illness.

“If you want to view paradise, simply look around and view it.
Anything you want to, do it.
Wanna change the world?
There’s nothing to it.”

And for Wilder and his “Pure Imagination,” there wasn’t anything to it.