Gene Wilder, interviewed by Robert Osborne, 92 Y, NYC, 6.13.13

by Bruce Alexander
Posted: Oct 2013
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- photo by Bruce Alexander

Making a rare public appearance at 92Y in New York City, screen legend Gene Wilder spoke of his unforgettable role in “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” as well as a variety of personal subjects. For this special event, the host of Turner Classic Movies, Robert Osbourne, traced Wilder’s film history, and was the interviewer. Gene stated that Osbourne had done his homework. Wilder also said that he doesn’t try to be funny, but that it just ends up like that. Gene stated that he knew at at age 11 that he wanted to act and was told to return to auditions at age 13, if he still had the desire. He did, and the rest is history. He started with the Borscht Belt, and landed a bit part in “Bonnie And Clyde.”

Wilder spoke about meeting Mel Brooks when Brooks was dating Anne Bancroft. Gene noted that he was married to Gilda Radner from 1984 - ‘89, and that for the last three years of their marriage, she was very sick from the cancer that took her life. She made him watch every episode of Saturday Night Live with Rosanne Roseannadanna, since he had never seen it.

Wilder also talked about altering his Willy Wonka part by using a cane and stumbling. He said he didn’t like the direction of the remake, and while he feels that Johnny Depp is a good actor, he’s not well suited for that role. When asked why he stopped making movies, Wilder replied that it’s because he doesn’t approve of violence, cursing, and today’s movies plots. These days he prefers to write novels. His current novel, “Something To Remember You By,” is his 15th. He has already finished 16 and is working on 17.

Wilder signed all his books and movie DVDs, with his wife by his side. Smiles were all around.