Gene Wilder kept his illness a secret to the grave – he couldn’t bear the idea of one less smile in the world

Gene Wilder, born Jerome Silberman, was a beloved actor known for his iconic role as Willy Wonka. Inspired by his ill mother to entertain, he pursued acting and starred in classics like “The Producers” and “Young Frankenstein.”

Wilder later turned to writing and passed away in 2016 from Alzheimer’s, remembered for his humor and lasting impact on film.