11 Facts About Gene Wilder

His body of work is outstanding.

Creative Commons: SanFranAnnie

Some time back I put together a list of my favorite comedians and Gene Wilder wasn’t on it. Yet his body of work in the comedy genre is one of the most impressive in the history of Hollywood. My personal favorite is Young Frankenstein, but Blazing Saddles, The Producers or some other work may top your list.

I also know that Gene was married to Gilda Radner, but beyond that, I don’t know a lot about his personal life. So, here are some facts about Gene Wilder.

1: Gene’s first screen role was as a hostage in “Bonnie and Clyde.”

Gene and his companion were kicked out of the car after Gene revealed he was an undertaker. Hostage negotiators take note.

2: In his early days, Gene supported himself as a limousine driver and fencing instructor.

You don’t see that combination very often. Maybe those skills would help reduce the risk of a carjacking.

3: Gene had this assessment of his acting, “I don’t want to do ‘Hamlet.’ I don’t want to do Robert Redford roles or Mel Gibson roles or Kevin Costner roles, because I’m not…