Gene Wilder 2002 official CNN interview

In a May 2, 2002, interview with CNN's Larry King, Gene Wilder talks about meeting Mel Brooks for the first time and why he loves to act in films.

[@CullenCochran]

in conversation he leans in and leads with his eyes. a soulful being

[@zeldasmith6154]

Yes. He does. Brilliant observation and thank you.

[@airguntherapy8665]

Always loved this guy in film but never thought once to look for an interview until now. He was so incredibly sincere and real, I wish I was more like he was. Amazing soul. I feel for his loved ones, what a huge loss.

[@jvillan94]

he has such a beautiful soul.

[@samsoncrosswood7259]

What makes him different than other comedic actors? Sincerity. That's it.

[@elizabethwilmot556]

I just love him. I miss him. The world has lost a national treasure, our sweet, talented Gene Wilder.

[@snakeguy76]

It still hasn't set in yet. My favorite actor.

[@kristinwolf1165]

I know. it's heartbreaking. he was amazing

[@Katy-ye1zr]

It's really hard. I think he's great in so many movies- ones he did with Pryor- I was looking at some pictures of Gene in the last few months- the most recent I could find and I thought... "it won't be long" so I had prepared myself, I guess. Still- what a lovely guy, hmm? This is such a terrific interview. "I want to win award, but have Mel accept on behalf of Gene Wilder" heh, sweet.

[@jpx8793]

I know what you mean. Still reeling too. A magnificent gift to us all.

[@dollymarie5359]

it didn't hit me when he died either, I think I was just in denial, I have loved this man since I was a child, maybe 4 years old :) I am Italian and I grew up watching his movies, my grandparents both loved all his movies. it didn't really hit me til a month and a half later and I was talking to my fiancee about something he had said one time and I just broke down and started crying because I just really couldn't believe that he really was gone, its funny, I felt like I knew him, like I had known him forever but I never met him . I still love him now at 35 as much as I did when I was 4 lol I will never forget him, he was an amazing human being, there will never be another like him

[@nagitokomanda4964]

It good it funny it will make you laugh

[@mattleuty5285]

"Do you know what happened to the man who suddenly got everything he ever wanted? He lived happily ever after" R.I.P Gene

[@kishiacariagagemao1935]

😢😢

[@michaeltimothy70]

Such a peaceful conversation. One of the greats!!!

[@karenlm9062]

This is such a wonderful interview to watch. What a treasure Gene was.

[@erosmangr74]

Even if you tried, you couldn't find a bad thing to say about him. He was a kind soul in the body of a great actor, and he will be sorely missed.

[@massimilianoburo]

Great Man, Great Actor!!!! I'm italian and I spent my childwood watching his movies... My favourite was Willy Wonka & Chocolate factory. R.I.P. Gene... :''(

[@thejadashow1039]

very original favorite

[@massimilianoburo]

+Devin Grooms I understand he acted in many other great movies, but Willy Wonka is linked to my childwood.

[@ImYourHuckleberry_29]

+Ryan Dewhurst I second that.

[@TheChazaqingdude]

+Devin Grooms must be a hipster...

[@vika0194]

"Childhood"

[@JayJay-xf2jf]

Gene Wilder was a legend. Blazing Saddles is still one of my favorite comedic movies of all time. Cleavon Littles Gucci saddlebags. I'm going to have to watch it again to pay homage

[@charlieelperro]

He's reunited with Gilda and Richard.

[@greg8598]

R.I.P., genius. His explanation of the chemistry between himself and Richard Prior is beautiful.

[@Silirion]

I grew up watching you on the screen Gene. Your agile mind, your keen whit, your big heart. Such an inspiration you have been to me, and so many others. Thank you!

[@Katy-ye1zr]

I grew up on Larry King too- stellar interview with two of the best.

[@chloekay5470]

This is a great interview, he actually lets him talk and explain,,, I learned so Much, thank you!RIP Gene, WE love YOU

[@jpx8793]

Amen, Ms. Kay. A wonderful gift to us all.

[@MrSunrecords1956]

the greatest comic cinema actor in Hollywood history- this guy has made me so happy, so many times, over so many decades- thanks for the gifts. You are now dead but you are still gifting me and the world that happiness- what a great comic model- the very best.

[@destinydreamfinder]

How articulate and calm and gentle and wise he is!

[@ridcomics9364]

Actors can't live forever, but there movies can thankfully. RIP Gene your a one of kind actor.

[@TheChazaqingdude]

I truly loved him as an actor. He was a genius, and an even better guy. He is missed.

[@cathyf6848]

Gosh, great Interview piece to have online in his memory. Thanks for the post, made me smile.

[@ClintScottFischer]

What a true genuine man in a business full of demons. Gene was the real deal legend. God rest his soul. Hopefully making them laugh in heaven with Richard.

[@TheLadyday1139]

Gene, my Gemini brother...one of my favorite actors ever. So talented. This was a wonderful interview - glad I got to see it.

[@jfilho1966]

Just Amazing to see this interview...I saw willy wonka movie in theatres earlier 70's keep those videos available to people know a little bit about Great Movie History...

[@jeffhanshaw]

I feel like I know this man. You don't get that from most actors but Gene seems like one of us.

[@WhosAGoodDogue]

I am part way through reading Gene Wilders book: _Kiss Me Like A Stranger: My Search for Love and Art_ , and have just read the part where the ''blanket scene'' in The Producers came about. To make the scene believable in his breakdown when his ''blankie'' is taken away from him, he imagined his puppy, and when he got blankie back, he held it to his face and comforted it. I can't really describe it properly (without quoting from his book). Despite it being an acting scene, his emotions and memories were projected into that scene, making it almost too real for him. But, it's a great read so far, and a real eye opener into how Gene started his life, being drafted into the Army and working in a Mental hospital, through to how he met so many wonderful women (and had relationships with most of them). The mind games and battles with his adopted daughter 'Katie' when she was growing up. The ways he finds to get into a character in a film, how he admires 'superstars of film, and then finds himself working alongside them. It's just great. Jerry Silberman was his real (birth) name, and how it was changed is also explained in his book (It was when he became a member of the Actors Studio and he needed a stage name). I've always admired Gene Wilder in all his films and pay no attention to scandals or gossip about him. I like him for who and what he was A great actor/performer, and from seeing interviews and now reading his book, he was a very kindhearted, warm and humble man.

[@rnw2739]

Love Gene and this is a welcome insight into his character. Love his description of loving the 'Show' but not the 'Business'... very apt. Also curious to hear Gene wanted to play Corky in 'Magic' - That would have been interesting to see but with the greatest of respect, Anthony Hopkins was absolutely mesmerising in that role and I find it hard to imagine anyone playing it better than he did.

[@silentnsubtle5660]

Gene Wilder, I wish he did more movies, loved the magic he created on screen

[@stargazer7668]

Man it must suck being rich and famous and getting old...When your his age being young again would be better than all the money in the world I bet...

[@FlexinGains]

Imagine the history with a life span of 80s wow what a character rest in peace

[@FuckTheNewWorldOrder]

A Great Man..

[@delaynepratt1886]

R.I.P. 🙏❤

[@luispena4142]

Willy wonka and the chocolate factory is one of the best movie ever!! R.I.P Gene Wilder

[@081035jb]

what about Producers!

[@luispena4142]

+Joe Blitz yeah! what about the producer's

[@donnab7666]

He was a great comedian. I loved his movies. God bless RIP Gene

[@tracyfitzgerald6676]

Such a nice man and super funny

[@JR-xs2ec]

You will always be my favorite...John Ritter and Seinfeld second...I miss you my friend

[@paulcrombie9623]

Also, had he not been a famous actor, he would probably be a famous painter (artist), he was destined for fame.

[@FuckTheNewWorldOrder]

Rest In Peace. A Great Actor.

[@jonathantorres1243]

Great interview

[@chuckclough153]

Simply a brilliant performer, iconic. I hope that Willa Wonka's purple suit and top hat are placed in the Smithsonian!

[@odaydrums]

WOW just 2 really nice human beings shooting the shit. Feels good THANKS!

[@coltonbeed1325]

R.I.P willy

[@myahollandia3552]

Rip great man

[@dailywad4987]

It makes me want to watch Willy Wonka the original..

[@ryanfriedman4329]

I thought Gene Wilder would outlive Mel Brooks for some reason.

[@BomChickyBowWow]

Shit. I was looking for the unofficial interview.

[@MasterChris666]

rip

[@timvoorman6919]

i notice he allmost always wears blue

[@MrMojoMan73]

Love Gene Wilder ❤

[@artygunnar]

I like that Gene Wilder actually had time to talk and isn't being interrupted every five seconds

[@TheZombie13777]

that's Larry king for you on norms podcast he says he never learned anything when he was talking truly he's one of the greatest interviewers of our time check out his Hulu show

[@BoboDoboRobo]

He commanded it in his voice and manner, I think

[@Rob_Moilanen]

As Zombie points out, that's Larry King for ya, he's been doing quality interviews for many years at this point (at the time of this one with Gene), he knows when to interject or when to just sit there and let the person speak! Charlie Rose is another one that did it similar to Larry and gets a quality interview as a result, not many of the bobbleheads these days could pull it off like Charlie or Larry.

[@mauriciocortez1179]

george fish Fallon is the fakest ever after all

[@michaelhurtado4400]

I think it is because he is so interesting, his life is so interesting, and when he speaks, you just want to listen and now the story, plus his genuine and humble spirit moves your heart.

[@johnpatricio]

What a wonderful person this man was. A true Hollywood legend if there ever was one. R.I.P. Gene.

[@johnpatricio]

And yes Gene, fuzzy wuzzy was indeed a woman.

[@americanman2382]

HEAVY IN THE CHEST...EVERYONE MUST REST,

[@samw7498]

I know he will be missed :(

[@miked1355]

and at the same time quite the antithesis of Hollywood culture

[@susiearioli2042]

..and what a shlemiel ol Larry is, with the veering away from, and not delving into subjects Gene answers so eloquently...eesh, so many wasted opportunities!

[@MsMarciax]

One of the nicest, sincerest and most polite actors that ever lived. Will be forever missed in this crazy mad world we live in. RIP Gene.

[@volantejones944]

🎬🙌📽

[@TacomaPaul]

He had such a mellow demeanor. And such kind eyes.... that within one blink, could turn in to insanity.

[@scottoconnor]

Gene shares so much wisdom in this interview. I like the part where he said, "Success is a terrible thing and a wonderful thing. If you can enjoy it, its wonderful. If it starts eating away at you....'they're waiting for more from me' or 'what can I do to top this', then you're in trouble. Just do what you love, that's all I want to do." - Well said Gene, this is the attitude that made you, and continues to make you (in my book) number One.

[@delphi-moochymaker62]

Mr. Wilder wrote as well as acted in Young Frankenstein and for that alone he will always be remembered as a comic genius. R.I.P. my friend and thanks for the laughs.

[@exsappermadman25055]

Well said mate, I could watch these two talk for a week and not get bored.......

[@stellabella6839]

I saw an interview with Cloris Leachman, she said the staircase scene took forever and a zillion takes because Gene cracked up every time she looked at him. Can you imagine the fun they had on that set? The outtakes from Young Frankenstein are as funny as the movie.

[@kaan898]

what a humble soul and a gentleman...

[@EvaFariou]

Gene Wilder... A magical creature... Always remembered... Love and respect!

[@kristinwolf1165]

"I'm acting for you right now" aren't we all, Gene. R.I.P. you are greatly missed:(

[@mariogiresi6792]

Larry King was a good LISTENER, something Mr. Letterman, Leno, O'Brien and all the other late night hosts should have learned during their careers. He never tried to steal the show or compete with his guests. One could argue that the formats are different and this is true, but Carson shared the same qualities as King and he let his stars shine too.

[@Katy-ye1zr]

oh yeah... Carson but I think Letterman did learn overtime and I grew to really like him... they need to get comfy in their skin to let the guests shine. I like Conan and think he is doing well and will just get better. Larry King is like... well I can't imagine interviewing/talk shows without him either. I don't want to.

[@lukefairhurst5980]

But King has two things all those other hosts don't usually have: time and a lack of an agenda. They have to zip through some times because they have to get through the various planned anecdotes and selling points for whatever the guest is promoting all while keeping it entertaining and they only have, what, 4-10 minutes per guest or something like that? They simply don't have the time to relax the atmosphere and dive deep into the conversation. If you look at Conan's Serious Jibber-Jabber series, where he gets an hour and no audience, he does just as well as Larry, if not better - his questions and talking points are much more thoroughly researched and well-thought (sorry, Larry but "how many movies have you done", really). Dick Cavett's my favourite over them all though: a well-known hard researcher, great questions, fantastic listener, and knows just when to insert the sharp quips in a way that keeps things natural and doesn't override the guest. Over being simply a great talk show host, I tend to go back to his interviews just to get the full picture of a particular person, which something I don't thing the other hosts can touch

[@danielgreen2788]

is there anyone like him around? the world we knew its dying an the new one looks pretty grim

[@jesperjee]

Mel Brooks is still with us :) And Jerry Lewis but he isn't really in the game anymore.

[@Danarchy3]

I couldn't have said it better, I weep for our future generations

[@OtterloopB]

Biblically speaking... that's how it's supposed to be. God's Word states that the world will get darker and more grim before Jesus returns. All this political chaos... all this perversion... all this ethnic unrest... all this destructive weather... was foretold within the pages of Scripture. Read Luke 21 and 2 Timothy 3 and you tell me if what you read there doesn't match our news headlines. And Scripture promises the grimest time of all, a 7-year period of judgment and carnage known as the Time of Jacob's Trouble, is almost here. "Oh, come on!" you might be thinking. "You actually believe the Bible is real? Open a window and get some air. There's no imaginary sky wizard coming to save us." Think, please. If Jesus Christ truly was a myth, why do so many people around you get angry or hateful when they hear the name of Jesus Christ, while Mohammed and Islam seem to get more positive attention (never mind the fact that Muslims killed 3,000 people on September 11, 2001)? Who gets that angry over a supposed mystical character...? Why do those who call themselves Christians get all the hassle and slander? Why do businesses such as Chick-Fil-A get protested and boycotted by the gay community simply because there is a difference of opinion on what defines marriage in this country? Why do groups like ISIS butcher and kill Christians, and nobody seems to care? There must be SOMETHING to Jesus; otherwise, there wouldn’t be so much hate. And when He returns, you'll either face Him as Judge or as Savior. He states clearly He's the only way to heaven. If you want to avoid judgment, including those awful 7 years, take Him up on his offer of salvation.

[@Guttlegob]

Grim? Try living 200 years ago. People haven't had it so good.

[@johnnythed1175]

Michael cera has that innocent sincerity

[@Tusk548]

One of the kindest souls ever.

[@michaelj.r457]

"I don't like show business. I like the show, but I don't like the business" - Gene Wilder

[@RicanSlug]

thank you for the wonderful childhood memories gene, you will be sorely missed but never forgotten. Rest in Peace old friend.

[@Katy-ye1zr]

In the early 80s my husbands children came to visit - he and I in our first apt. too broke to go anywhere. We set up the sofa bed and TV in the dining area... and with snacks in bed we curled up, watched Willy Wonka several times- ! Great memory- all of us together, and Gene on the screen. When he lost his wife, Gilda Radner - he seemed very broken for some time to come. She was too young to go, herself.

[@cretan982]

Interesting that he said the scene in Willy Wonka where he walks to the gate with a cane was his idea. It was a brilliant scene.

[@scottoconnor]

Gene King and Larry Wilder errr.....scratch that reverse it.....Gene Wilder and Larry King. Legendary interviewer talking with legendary actor!

[@bodhisattva99]

He's been answering the same questions for 20 years. I've watched several interviews since he passed, and they all ask him the same things. 18:23... :) I love the man.

[@antinwo3664]

This man was my ultimate favorite in Hollywood. His soul was beyond dynamic. His looks echoed his soul's definition and he was truly who he was. HE was an angel on earth and shall always be a one of a kind unattainable to duplication. His heart was so big that anything he did was over shadowed by his considerate nature. He was larger than even movie producers could possibly detect. We will ALL miss him immensely.

[@Planckepoch592]

"What makes you different, what makes you special?" He's Gene Wilder, just no real explanation. Sometimes people so unique and special just come along, and leave us knowing how special they truly were.

[@johnnymurray2689]

Gene draws you into whatever part he's playing. Captivating actor/ person RIP

[@STVG71]

"Especially if you make the sheep nervous." You can hear the crew laughing. Gene is a national treasure and a very underrated one. He will be missed.

[@savedfaves]

In jest, somewhat, at 14:33 King calls Wilder "an unusual guy" for telling the director of Willy Wonky that he would only play Willy in the film if his character could at the gate limp out and eventually fall and tumble onto his feet, so then the audience won't know when Willy was telling the truth from that moment on. Far from being unusual it was a very important moment in Willy Wonka and had precisely the desired affect Gene thought it would. The old version is such a better film.

[@allys744]

One of my all time favorite human beings, not just actors. I could listen to him all day.

[@andrewgilmore7669]

Such a wonderful, distinctive talent- and I can see from interviews like this that he was, I'm sure, a kind, wonderful human being as well. Rest in peace, Mr. Wilder, and thank you for all the joy you gave us.

[@michaelhurtado4400]

I love Gene Wilder, I was in preschool, first movie I ever seen at the theater was Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Cried several times when he passed, damn makes me sad just thinking about it!

[@anaximander24]

"I'm acting for you right now."

[@ihavetubes]

best quote.

[@zeldasmith6154]

We're all actors. Some get paid millions. Others? Not so much.

[@ratso69ful81]

Is it me or does Gene look like an older Julian Lennon, smh???

[@mfe23]

So True...❣️❤️❤️❤️

[@LibertyPen]

outstanding job!

[@davebooshty299]

He hated the Willy Wonka remake found it an insult which i part agree but he somehow didnt mind the Producers /reboot/musical though?

[@tdk3654]

They actually did a good job with the Producers reboot. That makes it a compliment.

[@retributionstudios8489]

two legends, may they both rest in paradise 🕊

[@radcallum]

3:00 4:35 5:00 6:55 7:00 7:45 8:15 9:00 9:45 9:50 10:00

[@jpx8793]

An incredible, magnificent man. A tragic loss. Still reeling. Hasn't truly sunk in yet. At least now he has his Golden Ticket, and is reunited with his beloved Gilda in that chocolate factory in the sky. "If you want to view paradise, simply look around and view it." Now you can look at Paradise all you want.

[@SweetDreams706]

This man touches my heart. RIP Gene Wilder. You will be missed.

[@catherinekubick298]

Wonderful man, and an extremely gifted actor. Thank you, Gene Wilder for playing a major role in my childhood 💜RIP

[@DadeLove]

I love how he said”I dont like show business i love show and love acting”Wow!One of a kind in Hollywood!Rip Sir Gene Wilder!

[@saiedahussain2873]

Nice interview. RIP both. 💐💐💐

[@psychojackjack2139]

He was such a classic actor and naturally funny, without trying to be funny. A true gifted man. R.I.P. Gene

[@starduck8014]

They just don't make em like that anymore

[@lissalives1]

I absolutely adored him. With such wit, it's horrifying that he died from Alzheimers. 💔

[@equine2020]

He was a genius in comedy. Loved his movies. Miss him.

[@pablocruise678]

Put the candle back!!!

[@nickboulakis7524]

The teacher of the teachers in comedian.. Rest in peace friend, we know you are in a better place .

[@geronimo4621]

I always get the sad news in such untimely fashion and the day I heard Gene Wilders passing away I was in Sandy Beach. HI waiting to listen Michael medved and a brief news goes.....Gene wilder dies ..and the first Thing I Said..... ...what are you talking about...... R.I.P

[@Gravydog316]

His last theater movie was years before my friends & I were born, but we loved him all our lives. Thats a legend. :-)

[@dgriite]

what a lovely thoughtful man he was.

[@YouJustGotAnimated]

Holy heck, his watercolor paintings are beautiful!

[@michaeljacksonearthangel5849]

#FeelTheBern #Bernie2020

[@iamclough3385]

I have been looking for this interview ever since I heard the tragic news.

[@johnfluckiger9693]

One of my top 5 favorite actors of all time.

[@burningmarl5664]

R.I.P. Gene. Cant wait to see your final film: facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1239992622711849&set=pb.100001033695979.-2207520000.1472572170.&type=3&theater

[@ghanasoul]

Larry cuts off people. Its VERY annoying.

[@zeldasmith6154]

He had his moments but not many. He was in a hurry to get to his next question.

[@breitling74]

Thank you for all the wonderful movies Gene ❤️❤️❤️ RIP