Summary
The Netflix documentaryRemembering Gene Wilderwas a touching tribute to one of the greatest comedic performers of all time and featured several appearances from notable actors and celebrities. Those who worked with Wilder in his vast and varied career spoke about his incredible legacy and the impact his performances have had on popular culture. From the astounding achievement that was Wilder as Willy Wonka right up to his struggles with dementia in later life,Remembering Gene Wilderwas a heart-moving account of the extraordinary life of one of the all-time great comedians.
Remembering Gene Wilderfeatured appearances by actors, celebrities, and film producers and also included essential figures from Wilder’s personal life, such as his cousin Rochdale Pierce, his neurologist Dr. Michael Rafi, and his wife, Karen Wilder.Remembering Gene Wilderwas a touching homage to a life well livedand a man who had an impact on generations of viewers who connected withWilder’s greatest performances. For those looking for a behind-the-scenes look at an extraordinary man then look no further thanRemembering Gene Wilder.
16Mel Brooks
Gene’s close friend and collaborator
As one of Gene Wilder’s most significant collaborators,legendary comedian Mel Brooks’involvement was one of the most exciting aspects of theRemembering Gene Wilderdocumentary. Wilder famously starred as Leopold Bloom inThe Producers, and the two continued to work together onBlazing SaddlesandYoung Frankenstein.Brooks spoke about Wilder’s incredible comedic talentsbut also about their real-life friendship, even getting emotional as he reminisced about their conversations during the final stages of Wilder’s life as his memory started to fail, saying, “it was so sad, it made me cry a lot.”
15Carol Kane
Gene’s co-star
TheAcademy Award-nominated actress and comedian Carol Kaneappeared inRemembering Gene Wilderand spoke about the incredible impact he had on her own career. Kane stated that she got a call from Wilder asking her to co-star with him in his comedyThe Greatest Lover in the World, and at first, she was confused because, up to that point, she was known primarily as a dramatic actor. However, Wilder obviously had an incredible skill at spotting comedic talent, as she excelled in the role and went on to have a very successful career in comedy.
14Ben Mankiewicz
Film critic
As a lifelong admirer of Gene Wilder’s work, Ben Mankiewicz appeared inRemembering Gene Wilderto highlight his incredible contribution to comedy and widespread influence. A noted film critic and host ofTurner Classic Movies,Mankiewicz appreciated Wilder’s incredible legacyand gave a fantastic insight into why he was such an acclaimed figure in Hollywood. Mankiewicz commented on the way that Wilder infused his characters with such a sense of realism that the parts he played in movies likeWilly Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,Blazing Saddles, andYoung Frankensteinfelt like real people despite their over-the-top nature.
13Harry Connick Jr.
Gene’s close friend
TheAmerican singer-songwriter and actor Harry Connick Jr.was a friend of Gene Wilder’s in real life and appeared inRemembering Gene Wilderto highlight his appreciation for him both on the screen and as a close friend. Wilder and Connick never worked together directly on any movies or projects, so it was uncertain exactly how their paths first crossed; despite this, Connick spoke about Wilder with a deep sense of admiration. However, it should be noted that Connick and Wilder both appeared asrecurring characters on the sitcomWill & Grace, although never in the same episode.
12Peter Ostrun
Charlie Bucket in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
The part of Willy Wonka was one of Gene Wilder’s most iconic roles, and that’s why it was so fantastic to see a grown-up Peter Ostrun appear inRemembering Gene Wilder.Ostrun played Charlie Buckett inWilly Wonka & the Chocolate Factorywhen he was just 12 years old and spoke about how fun it was to be on set with Wilder. Ostrun provided interesting insights into Wilder’s creative process and said that he was like a mentor to him, treating him less like a child and more like a co-star.
11Mel Stuart
The director of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
The director ofWilly Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,Mel Stuart, appeared inRemembering Gene Wilderto explain how Gene Wilder was the only actor who could have pulled off the role at the time. Stuart stated that he met with Wilder and asked him to read a line from Roald Dahl’s book, and after hearing that, he knew that no matter what else happened with the film, Wilder had to play Wonka.Stuart gave Wilder a lot of credit for Wonka’s unique characterizationsand did not shy away from how important his contribution was to the film’s now timeless legacy.
10Alan Alda
A contemporary of Gene Wilder
The acclaimed actor Alan Alda, known for his work on the sitcomMAS*Hand countless classic movies, appeared inRemembering Gene Wilder, where he highlighted his appreciation for the work of his late contemporary. Alda spoke about Wilder’s incredible comedic talents and said that he always pushed past normal boundaries to find an “absurd reality” that made his performances all the more effective. As one of the all-time great comedic actors himself,it was great to see someone of Alda’s stature paying tribute to Wilder’s legacy.
9Burton Gilliam
Gene Wilder’s Blazing Saddles co-star
Gene Wilder’sBlazing Saddlesco-starBurton Gilliam briefly appearedin Remembering Gene Wilderto discuss their time working together on the Mel Brooks-directed movie. Gilliam stated that Wilder had extraordinary acting abilities but that what he remembered him most of all for was how good and supportive he was to his co-stars. Gilliam was known for several acclaimed roles throughout the 1970s in other films likePaper Moonand later appeared inBack to the Future Part III,Honeymoon in Vegas, andWild Bill.
8Mike Medavoy
Gene Wilder’s agent
Film producer Mike Medavoy was Gene Wilder’s agent, and inRemembering Gene Wilder, he discussed how he helped encourage him to explore his potential as a writer-director. As the agent for not only Wilder but also hisYoung Frankensteinco-stars Peter Boyd and Marty Feldman, Medavoy was an important part of putting the cast of that classic film together. Medavoy appeared to recognize Wilder’s unique talents and was able to help put him in touch with important creative collaborators.
7Mike Gruskoff
The producer of Young Frankenstein
The film producerMike Gruskoff had close working relationships with Mike Medavoy, Mel Brooks, and Gene Wilder, which led to him producing the classic comedyYoung Frankenstein. Gruskoff appeared inRemembering Gene Wilderand spoke about the film executives' reluctance to greenlight a comedy that was going to be made in black and white. However, the creative determination of Wilder and his collaborators meant they stayed stern, and the film was made in the way that they intended and paid homage to the old monster movies of the 1930s, such as James Whale’sFrankenstein.
