Gene Wilder: In His Own Words | A Docu-Mini narrated by Gene Wilder

I launched this channel a year ago with a video essay on one of my favorite humans, Gene Wilder. To commemorate the occasion I decided to present an in-depth look at his life and career. I thought it only fitting that he narrate the story himself - using voice clips I collected. This is the story of Gene Wilder - in his own words.
Written, Presented & Compiled by Joe Ramoni
/ joeramoni
/ hatsoffjoe
Royalty Free Music Courtesy of Kevin MacLeod:
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Please consider supporting me on Patreon:
/ hatsoffentertainment

[@anartisticgent5867]

Gene Wilder isn't dead. Like Robin Williams he will never die. His body may be gone but he will live forever in the hearts of the millions of people he touched

[@OhSankYouDoktor]

As Gene Wilder's biographer, I am very critical of any tributes to him but this was exceptional in every way. Slickly produced, everything in the right place. This flowed beautifully and in just under a half hour you really captured Gene's essence. Excellent work, Joe!

[@AlbertinoR6]

Totally agree… ❤

[@joeyr.cannoli]

Why critical of any tribute? Being a dead mans biographer doesn't give you any moral high ground to gatekeep. People loved him, and if they want to show that love in a youtube tribute, kindly keep your opinions and criticisms to yourself. And by the way, liar, no one but himself is listed anywhere as his official biographer.

[@AlbertinoR6]

@@joeyr.cannoli @OhSankYouDoktor wrote that he's just critical, not that he doesn't approve tribute ;)

[@favoritemustard3542]

@AlbertinoR6 you're 💯% right. If something was made up with incorrect facts, or perhaps the BG music just happens to be the subject's least favorite song, it would deserve to be called out. OP doesn't mean "critical" in a negative sense, as it's a neutral word; some take it to mean "overly critical" sadly. These are Mr. Wilder's own words in his own voice, & HatsOff synced it up to a very wonderful montage of photos 👍👍

[@jordanblack2825]

Still waiting for a documentary And the movie

[@auntmaybell4833]

Because of your video, I just ordered Gene Wilder's book "Kiss Me Like A Stranger". I prefer reading books as to audio books, however thanks to you I have Gene's voice in my head and that will be how I read the book: With Gene's voice inside me head.

[@MaxDevereauxArchive]

the book is seriously great

[@jscalice42]

Kiss me like a stranger

[@Vegasbaby50]

I have 2 of his books and absolutely love them

[@katiethatcher2909]

@@auntmaybell4833 you will love it♥️if you get the audio , he is reading it. Such a sweet Soothing voice. There will never be another Gene..such a dear man.

[@OcpCommunications]

This left me speechless. An absolutely stunning tribute to Gene and in some ways Gilda and Richard too. May they all rest in peace. I bet they are cracking each other up in heaven.

[@LRBeforeTheInternet]

Gene, Richard, and Gilda were all Atheists. LOL :)

[@lazyhomebody1356]

@@LRBeforeTheInternet So they are surprised

[@dandanz7877]

Atheists go to heaven. Theirs just has no God.

[@lazyhomebody1356]

@@dandanz7877 No boss? Parrrrrrty!

[@collinreesejones5525]

ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS...STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL! 😎😍😘🤗

[@paulkitt-er9dr]

Gene had an impact on so many people through his performances he will not be forgotten a true original.

[@jtmichaelson]

He is such a legend and a big part of my childhood from Willy Wonka to Young Frankenstein to all of the roles I loved him in.

[@SPFLDAngler]

All the roles you couldn't think of because you only remember Wonka and Frankenstein lmao.

[@jbowDonDiego1380]

You and me both as willy Wonka is in my top 5 favorite movies ever its like 1 number 2 for me

[@donovaneckstrom]

I didn't think I was going to cry tears of happiness and sadness today but here we are.

[@colorscompletely]

Yes... While I didn't cry... There was and is something sad about all of this.. the tone of his voice... The thoughts and feeling is carried.. Like a life passing by that was felt deeply and never stopped to rest

[@GregStallion]

Same! Crying as I type.

[@bluu_ice6554]

@@colorscompletely if u didn't cry u have no soul!

[@prezidenttrump5171]

You're depressed

[@peopleperson554]

Same here i just finshed the video and im still trying to hold it together

[@MsLeenite]

Perhaps it was because Gene Wilder didn't have a Hollywood face or a Hollywood voice at any point in his career, that I noticed him immediately and remembered him when I saw Bonnie and Clyde at the time of its release. He just stood out from everyone else. There was nothing smooth or accomplished in his speech and actions. He always seemed to have just thought of whatever he was saying, and to be doing whatever he was doing with perfect spontaneity. He was absolutely believable, sitting in the back seat of the car with a paper napkin tucked in his collar, holding a hamburger and announcing, in that matter-of-fact way, "I'm an undertaker." He did, indeed learn that lesson from Charlie Chaplin. Gene Wilder was a great actor because the audience never saw him act, only live the character he portrayed. Thanks, Joe!

[@timwendt6186]

Gene is one of my absolute favorite actors.

[@manueltubens535]

All 3 comedians are well loved and missed. R.I.P RICHARD, GILDA AND GENE.

[@eduardo_corrochio]

Holy Moly, anything to do with this genius of acting is deeply appreciated. What you've done here is so special. "We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams." Heartfelt thanks for this.

[@KairuHakubi]

I had no idea that he WROTE so much of what he was in, and even directed some of it. what a talent.

[@Noneya2023]

I miss this lovely man. He brought a whole lot of joy into my life. I am certain my broken heart is not alone.

[@cards0486]

It most certainly is not. When he was wasting away in the cruel grasp of Alzheimer’s and then died I was sure I was the fan that was grieving more than any other one he had. But you were out there feeling the same. 🫶🏼

[@Sarah-zr1nj]

@@cards0486I was feeling the same, friend. Gene had been my favorite actor since I was a very young child watching Willy Wonka, and then as I got older branching out and enjoying his other works. Something about Gene’s personality always spoke to me; it made me feel like someone else understood my neuroticism, my inherent good nature, but also, and most importantly, my underlying anger. It sounds stupid, because I usually don’t put importance on celebrities, but when he died, I felt like a distant extension of me had went with him.

[@sappho114]

I never knew that Gene went to such lengths for authenticity and kindness to the deaf and blind for See No Evil, Hear No Evil. He was truly one of a kind.

[@MCXL1140]

I don't understand how you put out so many videos of this kind of quality. Do you have like a staff or something? This is incredible. 27 minutes?!

[@HatsOffEntertainment]

No staff. Just me and a passion to share this stuff with the world. Thanks for watching!

[@themacocko6311]

@@HatsOffEntertainment Well, you do an absolute fantastic job.

[@djrichierich808]

Agreed 🙏

[@alicegrant3731]

Thanks for this.. Gene Wilder was a legend...and I love his voice

[@casinoroyalewcheese]

Gene Wilder taking such joy in all the nuances of his life really makes me smile. If anybody deserved it, he did. What a kind, gentle soul.

[@vancealmighty]

I've been here since the beginning, and I'll be damned if this isn't the best thing you've put together. Still waiting on that Something Wilder episode of Forgotten Failures!

[@HatsOffEntertainment]

It'll happen eventually! Thanks for watching since the start.

[@abledemo1]

Is it weird that gene wilders voice reminds me and makes me nostalgic of my childhood? Growing up in the 80s he was always in a movie we were watching

[@dogsbark5750]

Its amazing to think The Producer's was so early in his movie career. He was just so natural. Interesting fun fact. The drunk in The Producers played Grandpa to the Pete's in Pete & Pete and the Dad in the show was the guy Prior fought in Hear No Evil See No Evil. 6 degrees at work.

[@brendamathieu1069]

Gene wilder you are a classic actor, comedian, a jewel… My favorite movie you were in “start the Revolution without me.” Thank you.

[@KRAFTWERK2K6]

I'm in tears, Sir :') It was so hard to lose Gene Wilder.... and i'm afraid if i read his biography and finish the book, i'll lose him again. I love your work and the way you approach your mini docus with so m,uch love and respect towards the people you are making them about and the movies.

[@newguy5672]

Criminally underrated content. Plz keep it coming.

[@1971bdott]

Gene Wilder, what an incredible kind man. It makes me sad that he’s no longer here.

[@danielbloomquist9810]

I am watching this again two and half years on and I stopped to reflect. I am the sort of fan that tells anyone who'll listen to seek out Hats Off Entertainment for exceptional programming that delves deeply into media studies' less visible nooks and crannies, all astonishingly produced by a single passionate, devoted, craftsman. I consider myself fortunate to to have been blessed by Almighty Algorithm with a suggestion to watch "Gene Wilder: How To React Naturally" when it was your only upload to date.

[@itsgleneaton4883]

Also when he did his front roll in his intro scene I liked him immediately. Because he was like a child who likes to surprise people and keep them guessing.

[@luanaconley6871]

Wilder is so right about children being underestimated by adults. Every move to “protect the children” is an excuse for adults to avoid their own discomfort. Wilder and Mostel were such great partners, esp in Rhinoceros, which remains a very timely story.

[@karlhungus5554]

Gene was such a lovely soul. I just love the man and will miss him always.

[@AlexanderBlues1228]

This is mesmerising, heartbreaking, and brilliant!

[@SgtTibbsTX]

Kiss me like a stranger is one of my all time favorite autobiographies. He was such an amazing man. One that only comes along every so often every few generations. It’s the best audiobook especially for any Gene Wilder fan

[@cards0486]

I just finished Gene’s book before I saw this video. It’s a treasure; just as he was a treasure. How I adored him. From the moment I saw him in ”the hysterical scene” in THE PRODUCERS I was totally hooked on him. I saw everything he did. And his performances in the two episodes of WILL & GRACE were perfection. He won an Emmy, and the cast and crew had the two best weeks at work they ever had in their entire lives. When I found out he had Alzheimer’s I cried. When he died, I cried REALLY hard. Dear, amazing, sweet, wonderful Gene. What a gift he was. ❤️❤️❤️

[@tylerward6723]

Woo shout out to my town Calgary, AB. Miss you Wilder!

[@AJR-zg2py]

I love this episode because it uses Gene Wilder's actual narration - and it's because compared to his manic comedic roles, his narration sounds so melancholy and sad... like a man reflecting on his life knowing the end is near. Makes me wonder when he recorded his autobiography.

[@PeaceCommando]

It was so pleasantly haunting to hear Gene, in his own voice, give a summary of his brilliant career and bittersweet life. He was a true comedic genius, and almost every role he played was truly delightful. Thank you so much for posting this well-edited video.

[@bsrlpar]

Absolutely loved Gene Wilder. Unbelievably talented actor.

[@SuperGargargar]

man dude. thank you for this. gene wilder was a huge part of my childhood.

[@MACMETALFACE]

This is great. Love from Japan!

[@jakepearl2712]

Happy Anniversary Hats Off... Keep up the good work sir.

[@jesspuccino5168]

Gene Wilder was such a sweetheart & such a gentle soul❤️ I’m glad u turned the narration over to Gene😊 such an amazing storyteller RIP GENE love him always❤️

[@NoUploadJustComment]

There were times here where I forgot I was watching a KZbin video created by another fan of Mr. Wilder's work and felt I was watching a professional documentary. Nicely done.

[@twig8523]

Early on in the pandemic I found a little forgotten Gene Wilder film where he played an Irishman named Quackser. He was a shiftless dreamer & a shit shoveler holding on to his dying job as the city transitions to automobiles from horses. Fascinating little film.

[@ryangirdusky7884]

Tears are swelling up in my eyes. Beautiful, just beautiful. I know Gene died of Alzheimers and I knew about Gilda, but I'm glad he looked back on his life and thought it was time well spent.

[@Apethantos]

Young Frankenstein is one of my parents' favorite films and, even though I was missing some of the jokes as a child, observing how it was making them so happy, gave me great comfort as a result. Now, I know another reason. Listening how Gene Wilder was the happiest he'd ever been on a film while making Young Frankenstein, nearly brought me to tears. It certainly shows on screen. Superb job Joe, as always, thank you for this and everything else as well.

[@Phaota]

Superb job on the mini doco. Loved Gene's comedy and roles throughout the years, especially his work with Mel. Same for Gilda. Her time on SNL was hilarious.

[@juliaz12345]

That was beautiful! As others are as well, I'm crying. He was certainly a great actor, although he seemed to play against his personality in all of his roles. While he was the best in scenes where he went nuts and screamed, he seemed like he was a very gentle soul away from the cameras. Every interview I've seen with him shows a very humble, unassuming man who is nothing like the crazy lunatics he masterfully played on screen.

[@lilbabyhaydee]

A heartfelt tribute to one of the greatest performers in comedy history. Fantastic job, Joe.

[@ArtistFormerlyKnownAsShitlord]

I had no idea that Gene had been suffering from Alzheimer's when he died. Such a cruel disease. Great little video. Thank you.

[@JackKirbyFan]

I only saw Gene the actor. I never knew about Gene the man. What an incredibly intelligent and personal man. I was blown away and touched.

[@Kjack2023]

“The Frisco Kid”, my favorite Gene Wilder film.

[@joshuawaltz9484]

Man this was so wonderful. Gene Wilder was a treasure for all humanity. RIP Gene.

[@Dark00Wolf79]

Amazing sir! I knew right when I watched your John Candy video 10 months ago that I would sit here and watch every one of your videos and never be disappointed. And I never have been. Thank you.

[@mosriteminioncause7741]

Joe, you did a wonderful thing with this Documentary - It captured the very spirit of Gene Wilder: Gentle and Crazy...Silly and Serious....Fragile and Strong...A mild mannered Madman...with love and compassion...A Professional Human...The world is a little darker without him...But the films still shine SO brightly,....We miss you Gene.

[@lilye7487]

How is your channel only a year old wtf you have so much great content

[@billmadison2032]

The one thing I take comfort in is he gets to be with Gilda and Richard again. Bravo beautiful documentary

[@devinangola3458]

I'm happy , amazed and gutted all at the sometime watching this. You do excellent work, you and your staff need more recognition for what you're producing !

[@Edo_Marinus]

Beautiful, interesting, funny and sad. Thank you, Gene & thank you, Joe.

[@DubGDJ]

Was watching so much Gene Wilder stuff... even your vid. Talk about reading my mind. This is amazing. Thanks for this.

[@secretagentviper8382]

I always thought Gene was funny, weird, and over the top, always screaming and ranting, but his ability to turn it on and off was amazing, and only the best comedians at the time could hang with him. A true genius

[@tonydarks4895]

This is very emotional rest in peace to a legend . We shall rise

[@mmxtechnology]

I always loved GW and bonded with my father growing up watching all his movies. This was absolutely amazing, wonderful editing.

[@btarczy5067]

I have to admit that until now I have not seen a movie starring Wilder. Certainly this work of compassion has given me the motivation to do so. What a remarkable person and what a great tribute to him as a person and an actor!

[@TheOffenderBlog]

I read his book a while back. It was very much worth reading. Didn't know much about him at the time, much of what I had assumed about him was shown to be completely wrong.

[@A-small-amount-of-peas]

I have ran out of superlatives to describe your videos. What I loved about Gene and Richard together is that Gene was the perfect foil for Richard. He never tried to one up him or score simply reacted naturally to anything he said be it in the script or improvised and it never detracted from his comedic performance. Very similar to the Jeff Daniels Jim Carrey dynamic in Dumb and Dumber.

[@rodroller6634]

I love the fact that Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder met at the desk of the Holiday Inn they were staying at for the movie Silver Streak. I can see now why today’s stars feel they are so unappreciated.

[@OffendingTheOffendable]

He will always be my number one favorite person and actor. His Blazing Saddles performance is legendary.

[@brettmillman9137]

Thank you for posting this, I love Gene Wilder and his work. He was an extremely underrated actor. It was amazing listening to him describe his life and some of his movies. Gene was a very unique talent and I greatly miss that he is not physically with us anymore. RIP Gene and thanks so much for your fantastic work in film.

[@themacocko6311]

"Hope is as hollow as fear"

[@danielsharp2012]

I'll forever appreciate the walking stick scene what a life

[@yotsubafanfan]

Happy one year anniversary! I've been a fan since you uploaded your John Candy and Jim Varney videos. It has been a pleasure watching your channel grow and flourish.

[@lee32476]

Thanks for this video, it is incredible. The Gilda stuff is heartbreaking, but the ending is fantastic closure. Gene was an incredible actor, and his work speaks volumes. RIP.

[@eddietucker3334]

We were so touched by this loving, beautiful tribute. Thank you, Joe.

[@teddyfurstman1997]

Gene Wilder will always be my Willy Wonka. Thanks for this excellent mini-docs! Can't wait for more. When are the next Forgotten Failures again? Gene's audiobook sounds amazing. Edit: Alzheimers is awful, and 2016 is not a great year for comedy fans.

[@blackmagemasher4031]

going to enjoy this before it is taken down.

[@bobby4tw]

It's still not taken down.

[@SteveMikre44]

Gene Wilder and this episode were simply outstanding...

[@TwinOpinion]

Sometimes the best comedy comes from sincerity. No one did it better than Gene.

[@KomradZX1989]

I remember watching your first video and LOVING IT!!! YOU DO TERRIFIC WORK! I wish you many happy years ahead!

[@scottsimo3170]

This was wonderful, I could have kept watching for hours.

[@SewerTapes]

Wow, I'm 58 seconds in, and you've already reminded me I haven't seen See No Evil, Hear No Evil since I was nine years old (31 years).

[@GinoZump]

thank you very much for this, it was a loving tribute and it made me wanna re-watch all the Gene Wilder movies once again :)

[@ChadRFoltz]

I’m not ashamed to admit that from his explanation of Gilda dying on I cried like a baby. I’ve always loved Gene’s movies and just the person that he portrayed onscreen. This quiet, soft-spoken, unimaginably kind lunatic. I watched a clip awhile back of him on Conan in which Conan asks him if he’s enjoying life and Gene says that he is. Conan goes on to say that he hopes that for him and I have to admit, more than any other actor I can think of, I wished that for Gene. There’s just something about him that makes you empathize with him. I miss him sincerely.

[@AbbaZaba00]

This is uniquely profound. Thank you for capturing what was so special about Gene

[@williamh123456789]

One of the best comedy actors of all time. He marked his age

[@jgatzby4263]

Beautiful tribute to the genius of Gene. Will done

[@garyhoffman503]

Watching Gene as a young boy, It was an argument with my Father with my mom's approval that we wouldn't watch SNF on ABC and would watch the TV debut of Willy Wonka! Even my Dad, who said it's dumb instilled in me to dream about anything film. I absolutely adore Gene Wilder and Disney's Toby Goes To The Circus! Two very real films that set my soul on fire! ❤ 🙏 The Right Stuff to farm kids in the early 1970's. Television would consume this kid for life. ✝️

[@Dark.Shingo]

Oh man, I spent the whole video glued to the screen and the second it finished I end up crying. Such a remarkable life and such a special human being who got what he wanted and gave so much more. Bravo. Thank you Mr. Ramoni for sharing your love and your passion with us. It's inspiring.

[@Rhewin]

Congrats on one whole year. I've been loving your content!

[@darklordrowan6152]

This was a great, great video. Very moving to hear Gene speak about his life. Thanks for making this video.

[@rowdybpg6193]

Yes I love these character studies and this great to hear

[@MaxDevereauxArchive]

Gene grew up down the street from where I grew up in Milwaukee (years earlier of course), he is my greatest acting hero, I love him and miss him dearly.

[@WonkaProductions]

"time is a precious thing, never waste it" -Gene Wilder WILLY WONKA

[@SewerTapes]

@Hats Off Entertainment Joe, you have outdone yourself. This is easily one of the best videos on KZbin.

[@guyvanarsdall7686]

Wow, what a charming and gracious man. Gene always made me laugh, but today he made me tear up a little as well.

[@theTRUTHgroup]

Truly one of the greatest to ever be on screen. A brilliant original!

[@clashkid83]

I just discovered your channel a few days ago and have generally enjoyed your videos. This one brought me to tears. Great piece.

[@HatsOffEntertainment]

Thanks for watching!

[@justinpipes85]

I didn't expect to cry this much during a Hats Off video. Thank you for this.

[@cheddarcheese7928]

Can’t believe how moved I was from this!.Honestly I left it on a as kinda background noise but was soon captivated..Beautiful

[@aaronsnowden6311]

I love Gene Wilder and his movies. God bless him.

[@denisematthews6215]

What a wonderful, incredibly beautiful video . Thank you for this gift.❤️

[@bambiginger]

This is just charming, I am sure Gene is looking down and loving this lovely tribute. Thank you for this gift

[@WDCallahan]

This was amazing, but I felt like if I didn't watch it immediately, I'd miss my chance because KZbin is going to pull this thing for using his audio.

[@Quirky_QF]

Has it been a year already?! I signed on when you just had two videos. The quality of the content that you make is amazing. You can tell that you really care about this funny little business of comedy. Here's to many more years!