what movie was gene wilder famous for
Gene Wilder Biography. Known for the portrayal of Willy Wonka in âCharlie & the Chocolate Factoryâ, Gene Wilder is a former American actor, comedian, director, screenwriter, author and activist. Jerome Silberman, who is famous by his stage name âGene Wilderâ, is a retired Hollywood actor, television actor, director, screenwriter, author, etc. He was born in a Jewish family in Wisconsin and had an interest in acting from a very young age. He started taking interest in the local community theatre in Wisconsin.