The Four Loves Of Gene Wilder: A Deep Dive Into His Wives, From A Playwright To His Final Caregiver

Gene Wilder’s legacy as a comedic genius is immortalized through his iconic roles in films like *Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory*, *Blazing Saddles*, and *Young Frankenstein*. While his professional life with frequent collaborator Mel Brooks is well-documented, his personal life—marked by four marriages—is a nuanced journey of love, loss, and finding peace. As of December 18, 2025, the stories of the women who stood by the legendary actor, from his early days on the stage to his final years battling Alzheimer's disease, continue to fascinate fans and scholars alike.

Each of Gene Wilder's wives—Mary Mercier, Mary Joan Schutz, Gilda Radner, and Karen Boyer—played a pivotal and distinct role in the life of the man born Jerome Silberman. While Gilda Radner remains the most famous, the women who came before and after her contributed deeply to his emotional and creative landscape, with his final wife, Karen, providing a quiet, enduring love that helped him through his final chapter.

Gene Wilder: A Biographical Profile and Career Highlights

The man the world knew as Gene Wilder was born Jerome Silberman on June 11, 1933, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was the son of a Russian-Jewish immigrant. His early life was marked by a desire to entertain his mother, who suffered from a heart condition, a drive that later fueled his career as a performer.

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Wilder’s career took off on the stage, leading to his first film role in the 1967 classic *Bonnie and Clyde*.

His true breakthrough came through his legendary collaborations with writer and director Mel Brooks. These films, including the Oscar-nominated *The Producers* (1967), *Blazing Saddles* (1974), and *Young Frankenstein* (1974), cemented his status as a master of neurotic, yet deeply sensitive, comedy.

Beyond comedy, he directed several films, including *The Woman in Red* and *Haunted Honeymoon*. After largely retiring from acting, he focused on writing novels and memoirs, including *Kiss Me Like a Stranger: My Search for Love and Art*.

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• Full Name: Jerome Silberman
• Born: June 11, 1933, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
• Died: August 29, 2016, in Stamford, Connecticut, U.S. (Age 83)
• Occupation: Actor, Comedian, Writer, Filmmaker
• Notable Films: *Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory*, *The Producers*, *Blazing Saddles*, *Young Frankenstein*, *Silver Streak*, *See No Evil, Hear No Evil*
• Military Service: U.S. Army Veteran (served 1956–1958)
• Spouses: Mary Mercier (1960–1965), Mary Joan Schutz (1967–1974), Gilda Radner (1984–1989), Karen Boyer (1991–2016)
• Child: Katharine Wilder (adopted, from his marriage to Mary Joan Schutz)

The Three Marriages That Paved the Way for Enduring Love

Gene Wilder’s path to lasting happiness was a tumultuous one, involving three marriages that ended in divorce or tragedy before he found his final, peaceful union. Each woman represented a different phase of his life and career, from his early days on the New York stage to his rise to international stardom.

1. Mary Mercier (1960–1965): The Playwright and the Stage

Wilder’s first wife was actress and playwright Mary Mercier. They met and married early in his career, tying the knot on July 22, 1960. Mercier, a Welsh actress, was a creative force in her own right, known for originating roles in various productions and later leaving a notable legacy in literature and acting. Their marriage was rooted in the New York theatre scene; they appeared together in a New York production of Arnold Wesker’s *Roots*. The union lasted five years, ending in divorce in 1965, just before Wilder’s film career began to take off.

2. Mary Joan Schutz (1967–1974): The Quiet Family Life

Two years after his first divorce, Wilder married Mary Joan Schutz in 1967. Schutz was a friend of his sister, and their relationship led to one of the most significant personal events in Wilder’s life: the adoption of her daughter, Katharine Wilder. Mary Joan Schutz is often noted for maintaining a quiet, private life both during and after her marriage to the rising star. This marriage lasted until their divorce in 1974 (some sources cite 1980, but 1974 is widely accepted as the divorce year), coinciding with the peak of Wilder’s comedic film output.

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3. Gilda Radner (1984–1989): The Great, Tragic Love Story

The third marriage of Gene Wilder is perhaps the most famous and emotionally resonant. He met comedian Gilda Radner on the set of the film *Hanky Panky* in 1981, while she was still married to G.E. Smith. Their connection was immediate and intense, a true meeting of comedic minds.

They married in 1984, and their love story became a Hollywood legend, characterized by deep affection and shared humor. Tragically, their happiness was cut short when Radner was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She passed away on May 20, 1989. Her death devastated Wilder, causing him to largely withdraw from acting for a period and prompting him to become a passionate advocate for cancer awareness and research, helping to establish the Gilda Radner Ovarian Cancer Detection Center in Los Angeles.

Karen Boyer (Webb): Gene Wilder's Final and Enduring Love

After the profound loss of Gilda Radner, many believed Gene Wilder would never find love again. However, in 1991, he met Karen Webb, who later became Karen Boyer Wilder, a woman who brought him peace, stability, and a quiet, enduring partnership for the final 25 years of his life.

Meeting Karen: A Unique Professional Connection

Wilder met Karen Webb while preparing for his role in the 1989 film *See No Evil, Hear No Evil*. Karen was a clinical supervisor in lip reading and was hired as a consultant to help him prepare for the part. Their professional relationship blossomed into a romance, and they married in 1991.

Karen Boyer is often described as the woman who helped Wilder heal from the grief of losing Radner. Their marriage was a testament to finding love again in unexpected places, a quiet counterpoint to the high-profile relationship with Gilda.

A Caregiver's Devotion: The Final Chapter

In the later years of his life, Karen’s role shifted from wife to devoted caregiver. Gene Wilder was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, a condition he kept private until after his death in 2016. Karen was by his side throughout this journey, managing his care and protecting his privacy, allowing him to live his final years in relative peace, painting watercolors and pursuing charitable interests.

The depth of her commitment was recently highlighted in the 2023 documentary *Remembering Gene Wilder*. In the film, Karen Boyer shared intimate details of their life, including his touching final moments. She revealed that in his final hours, he was listening to Ella Fitzgerald's "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" when he simply said, "I can’t," before passing away peacefully.

Karen Boyer Wilder Today

Since Gene Wilder’s death in August 2016, Karen Boyer Wilder has continued to honor his memory, particularly by speaking out about the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease and the importance of caregiver support. She has maintained their home, which she shared with the actor for over two decades. Her participation in the *Remembering Gene Wilder* documentary ensures that the world understands the full scope of Wilder’s life, including the quiet, restorative love he found with his fourth wife. Her ongoing advocacy and public sharing of their private life provide a fresh and current perspective on the final chapter of the comedy legend’s story, solidifying her place as the woman who brought him the most enduring peace.