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July 27, 2010

Celebrity Life Appreciation Volume #1

So much is said about people after they have passed on that, sometimes, I am saddened that I didn't appreciate them more when they were still with us by talking about them, discussing their great works, etc. There are quite a few creative persons who are still amongst the living but unfortunately have faded from Hollywood's immediate spotlight in the search for the more youthful talent of today. I decided to create a regularly occurring homage in pictures to those beloved celebrities that are still alive today but, are in danger of going unnoticed until their deaths puts them in the fore front of the daily news.  My hope is that I may inspire even one person to watch or rewatch a few of their films or TV shows or listen to a few of their albums and in certain cases, read a few of their books..to appreciate them while they are still here to accept that appreciation.

This weeks spotlight is on the great and whimsical Gene Wilder.  Enjoy the compilation. 

Gene Wilder...suave, ladies man.

art by Dan Barrett



Gene Wilder, c'mon ladies...you know you want some.

click 'READ MORE' below for more!




with, the larger than life, Zero Mostel in 'The Producers' (1968)

as The Fox in 'The Little Prince' (1974)
in 'The Frisco Kid' (1979)

as the candy coated dream maker in
 'Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory' (1981)
in 'Every Thing You Wanted To Know About Sex But Were Afraid To Ask'
 (1972)

with Cleavon Little in Mel Brooks comedic triumph 'Blazing Saddles (1974)


with frequent collaborator Madeline Khan. 
C'mon Gene tell the truth, how did she taste?

with Marty Feldman in 
'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Brother' (1975)

with Richard Pryor in 'Silver Streak' (1976)


One of the greatest scenes in film history...
the voice of 'Letterman' 
from the PBS show 'The Electric Company' (1977)

"...able to leap capital T in a single bound," 
(yes, that's the voice of Joan Rivers in there as well)

in 'World's Greatest Lover' (1977)


with Richard Pryor in 'Stir Crazy' (1980)
with wife Gilda Radner in 'Hanky Panky' (1982)
with Kelly LeBrock (sigh) in 'The Woman in Red' (1984)
with wife Gilda Radner and, the always amazing, Dom DeLuise 
in 'Haunted Honeymoon' (1986)


with comedic genius Richard Pryor in 'Seen No Evil, Hear No Evil' (1989)
in 'Funny About Love' (1990)

As the Mock Turtle in 'Alice in Wonderland' (1999)
with Eric McCormack in a guest role 
on 'Will & Grace'

chattin' it up at a recent tennis match 
with one of my favorites Harry Connick Jr.

Gene Wilder today


At home for a recent photo shoot and article


I hope I inspired a few of you update your Netflix ques. To be honest, there are a few of Mr. Wilder's films that I am embarrassed to say that I still haven't seen or simply don't recall ever seeing. I'm off to rectify that right...this...minute!

5 comments:

  1. Awesome Jeff :-) I saw Gilda Radner's star on the Walk of Fame the other day and kept thinking I need to rent Haunted Honeymoon soon. One of my faves.

    Also, still remember the first time I saw Young Frankenstein. Totally amazing.

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  2. Thanks for readin' and respondin' Kate! I hope to make this a regular bit on CCD! Gotta appreciate the talented living!

    I hope I don't jinx and kill any of them :(

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  3. Blazing Saddles & Young Frankenstein are definitely up there in my top echelons of comedic flicks...all due to the top notch timing and skills of Mr. Wilder

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  4. Frisco Kid, Blazing Saddles, Young Frakenstein, and Haaunted Honeymoon are all amazing... but Wonka is his best role ever. Plus I loved all his movies with Pryor.... Another You, Silver Streak... awesome!!!!!

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  5. Goddamn today is truly a heart breaking day. To find out this sweet soul of a man with such an incredible gift of comedy has gone. Sucks!

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