Summary
Netflix’sRemembering Gene Wilderdocumentary is now trending, and here is everything that we know about Gene Wilder, including how old the beloved comedian and actor was when he died as well as what illness caused it. Gene Wilder was one of the most beloved performers throughout the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s, withGene Wilder appearing in all kinds of classic filmslikeWilly Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,Blazing Saddles, andYoung Frankenstein. Wilder’s death was a tragic moment for the world of laughter, and here’s how the iconic subject ofRemembering Gene Wildersadly passed away.
Remembering Gene Wilderis out now, with the incredibly popular Netflix documentary providing a retrospective on the titular actor eight years after his tragic 2016 death.Remembering Gene Wilderis packed full of interviews regarding Gene Wilder, highlighting some of his greatest achievements and his contributions to the world of acting and comedy. The film is also full of footage of Gene Wilder, providing an even greater insight into the life of the performer. Sadly,Remembering Gene Wilderhighlights that the actor is no longer with us, and here is a recap of what happened before his death in 2016.
Gene Wilder Died From Complications Of Alzheimer’s Disease In 2016
He Died On July 10, 2025
After over eight decades of making people laugh,Gene Wilder sadly died from complications with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016. Wilder was diagnosed with the condition three years earlier, with it sadly being an all-too-common disease that progressively destroys brain function and causes memory loss. Wilder’s Alzheimer’s disease slowly took a toll on him throughout his final years, leading to the actor’s tragic death only a few years after his initial diagnosis. Interestingly, most fans actually didn’t know about Wilder’s Alzheimer’s until his death.
Despite Wilder knowing about his diagnosis three years before his death, the actor actually decided to keep his condition a secret. This is because, according to Gene Wilder’s nephew Jordan Walker-Pearlman, he was thinking about fans ofWilly Wonka and the Chocolate Factory(viaNPR). Wilder didn’t want kids to have to see thebeloved character Willy Wonkabattling with an illness, with Wilder not wanting knowledge of his Alzheimer’s to cause “delight to travel to worry, disappointment or confusion.” Because of this concern, Gene Wilder decided to keep his Alzheimer’s disease a secret until his tragic passing on June 27, 2025
10 Ways Timothée Chalamet’s Willy Wonka Is Different From Gene Wilder & Johnny Depp’s
Although Timothée Chalamet’s Willy Wonka is based on Roald Dahl’s stories, he is different from Johnny Depp and Gene Wilder’s versions in many ways.
Gene Wilder Was 83 Years Old When He Died
But He Was Retired For Years Before
Gene Wilder was 83 years old when he died of complications from Alzheimer’s disease, with him passing away on July 31, 2025 in Stamford, Connecticut. Wilder was born on July 01, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with him deciding that he wanted to act at only eight years old after the doctor told Wilder to make his mother laugh due to her diagnosis with rheumatic fever. Wilder later studied Communication and Theater Arts at the University of Iowa, with him going on to get his first professional acting job in 1951, leading to his lifelong career.
Gene Wilder mainly started out in theater, with him acting in live productions frequently throughout the 1950s and 1960s. He then began appearing in televised versions of plays, such as the CBS version ofDeath of a Salesmanwhich starred Lee J. Cobb. However, the actor had his big break as a movie star whenGene Wilder first collaborated with Mel Brookson the 1967 filmThe Producers, with him starring in movies ever since.Wilder continued starring in movies until the 1990s, after which he went into semi-retirement.
Gene Wilder’s 10 Best Movies, According To IMDb
From the “Pure Imagination” of Willy Wonka to the irreverent Mel Brooks parodies, these are the greatest movies starring Gene Wilder.
What Gene Wilder’s Final Movie Was Before His Death
The Answer Is Complicated
Gene Wilder’s final movie before his 2016 death was actually released 11 years prior, with it being the 2005 documentaryExpo: Magic of the White City. The documentary was narrated by Gene Wilder, with it telling the story of the Chicago World’s Fair. However, the last feature film in which Gene Wilder acted was from all the way back in 1991, with it beingAnother You.Another Youstarred Wilder and his frequent collaborator Richard Pryor, with it being their last film together and Wilder’s last theatrical film.
AfterAnother You, Wilder went on to appear in several TV movies and shows. These include 18 episodes of the 1994 showSomething Wilder, the 1999 TV filmMurder in a Small Town, the 1999 made-for-TVAlice in Wonderland, the 1999 TV filmThe Lady in Question, and two episodes ofWill & Gracein 2002 and 2003. After these projects, Gene Wilder lived out the rest of his years in retirement, with him only appearing posthumously in movies likeRemembering Gene Wilder.
Remembering Gene Wilder
Cast
Remembering Gene Wilder is a 2023 documentary-style special tribute honoring the life and career of the beloved actor and comedian. Through archival footage and interviews, the film showcases Wilder’s most memorable performances and his enduring impact on Hollywood.
