Wilder’s Widow Shares His Final Words
The Tender Last Moments of Gene Wilder
In an intimate revelation, Gene Wilder’s last words were shared by his beloved wife, Karen Boyer, painting a poignant picture of the actor’s final moments before his passing in August 2016.
These touching details were unveiled in the heartfelt documentary, “Remembering Gene Wilder,” where Boyer lovingly recounts the legacy of the “Blazing Saddles” star.
A Glimpse into Gene’s Last Day
Boyer described a symbolic moment, one that would resonate with any who admired Wilder’s zest for life. “He hadn’t walked alone [in a long time], and it was just a few days before he died. I looked up, and he was walking across the kitchen, then he said, ‘I want to go swimming,’” Boyer recalled, as noted by People. Wilder’s playful spirit shined through as he delighted in the water one final time. “He dove into the pool…and then he said, ‘That’s good.’ Went back to bed, and I think he just wanted to get in the pool one more time.”
Quietly battling Alzheimer’s disease for three years, Wilder chose to keep his diagnosis away from the public’s eye, preserving the memories of joy and laughter he had spent a lifetime creating.
“The music was playing in the background — Ella Fitzgerald was singing ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow,’ and I was lying next to him. He sat up in bed, and he said, ‘I trust you.’ And then he said, ‘I love you.’ That’s the last thing he said.”
Remembering Gene Wilder’s Legacy
Wilder’s remarkable career spanned decades, with iconic roles in beloved Hollywood films such as “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” and collaborations with director Mel Brooks on classics like “The Producers,” “Blazing Saddles,” and “Young Frankenstein.” He not only starred in but also wrote and directed films, leaving an indelible mark on the film industry.
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Wilder’s life was rich with love and companionship, including his marriages to Mary Mercier, Mary Joan Schutz, and the beloved “Saturday Night Life” actress Gilda Radner, who passed away from cancer in 1989.
In another excerpt from the documentary, Boyer reflects on her time with Wilder. “Gene was wonderful; he was the best husband anybody could ask for. To love and be loved is the best gift anybody could ask for, and we had that,” she shared.
As we revisit Wilder’s storied life, we are reminded of the enduring impression he’s left on both the silver screen and in the hearts of those closest to him. Karen Boyer’s memories offer a deeply humanizing view of a man whose talent made the world laugh, yet whose final words reaffirmed a simple, profound truth: love is indeed the greatest gift of all.
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