Gene Wilder was a legendary actor and a beloved entertainer who gave the world of film some iconic roles, including that of Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Born on June 11, 1933, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to a mother who experienced heart issues, Wilder did all in his power to always make her laugh, as her doctor once advised him when he told him, “Don’t ever argue with your mother, you might kill her. Try to make her laugh.”

This made him realize that he could become an actor who would entertain crowds, and eventually, he became one.

After playing in a number of off-Broadway shows, he was offered the role which changed his life forever and helped him make a name for himself. However, before he tried his luck in the film industry, Wilder changed his name. He was born Jerome Silberman, with his father being a Russian immigrant, and his mother being of Polish descent.

As he was a huge book lover, Wilder took the inspiration for his new name from the character of Eugene Grant from the book Look Homeward, Angel, and the surname came from Thornton Wilder, author of Our Town.

Before landing the role of Willy Wonka, Wilder received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his role in Mel Brooks’ classic comedy The Producers