When out in public together, Karen Wilder never referred to her husband by his iconic name. "Everyone around us would call him 'Hi, Gene.' 'Hey, Gene.' But I always called him Sweetie," she shares, "so he'd know it was me." It was a small but meaningful gesture that spoke volumes about their private connection, a bond that transcended the fame and adoration Gene Wilder carried as one of Hollywood's most beloved figures.

Gene Wilder, whose real name was Jerome Silberman, was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and became a household name in the 1970s. Known for unforgettable performances in films like Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Young Frankenstein, and Silver Streak—the latter being the first of four comedies co-starring Richard Pryor—Gene was more than just a funny man. Beneath his comedic brilliance lay a depth of emotion and humanity that shone through even his most outrageous characters, making him a truly unique talent.

Gene’s path crossed with Karen Boyer during the filming of See No Evil, Hear No Evil in 1989, his third collaboration with Richard Pryor. At the time, Karen worked as a clinician for a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people with hearing loss. "I remember the moment I first saw him," Karen recalls exclusively to Closer. "He looked at me in such a way that I was struck immediately. There was something so pleasant about him, and he genuinely wanted to get to know me." Though they initially became friends, their romantic journey didn't truly begin until years later.

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The spark reignited when Karen reached out to Gene regarding a video project she was spearheading to teach lipreading. "He came all the way to New York and took me out to dinner," Karen fondly remembers. "I read him my script, and he helped infuse some humor into it." Their relationship blossomed from there, culminating in a beautiful union on September 8, 1991. "It felt like destiny," Karen shares. "We both believed it was meant to be."

Private Moments with Gene and Karen Wilder

In private life, Gene wasn't the manic personality many fans associated him with on screen. Instead, he was quiet, introspective, and deeply reflective—a man who had overcome significant personal challenges, including three previous marriages. With Karen, he found peace and joy. "He made it so easy to laugh at the little things in life that drive most people crazy," Karen explains. "Gene had this incredible ability to diffuse tension and bring lightness to any situation."

Many of Gene's fans fondly remember his marriage to Gilda Radner, the beloved Saturday Night Live star who passed away from ovarian cancer in 1989. Despite this, Karen never felt overshadowed by Gilda's memory. "I never thought about it," she says candidly. "We were two entirely different people. I trusted him completely, and I knew he loved me deeply. That's what love is—it's trust."

gene wilder widow remembers love-filled marriage — Nick Laham/Getty Images

At home, the couple enjoyed many happy hours playing tennis with their famous friends, including Mel Brooks and Anne Bancroft, Carl and Estelle Reiner, and Alan and Arlene Alda. "They played every Sunday," Karen says with a smile. "And I joined in too—it was a lot of fun." Beyond sports, Karen's favorite memories are of quieter moments at their Connecticut home. "Gene was happiest when we were alone, cooking dinner together," she reflects. "We both shared a passion for art and often painted watercolors side by side."

Gene and Karen's marriage lasted 25 wonderful years, ending only when Gene passed away in 2016 at the age of 83 due to complications from Alzheimer's disease. "In our wedding vows, we promised, 'As long as we keep laughing, we'll have a long life together,'" Karen shares. "And we truly did. Even toward the end, we could still find reasons to smile." Today, Karen continues to support the Alzheimer's Association, honoring the love and laughter they shared.