Summary
As revealed in the illuminating Netflix documentaryRemembering Gene Wilder, the legendary comedy performer and moviestar had many other talents at his disposal – including an aptitude for watercolor painting. As the documentary explains, Wilder was a talented watercolorist, dedicating himself to perfecting the skill. However, while brief glimpses of Wilder’s paintings can be seen in the documentary, it isn’t fully explained what happened to them after his death and where, if anywhere, the paintings can be seen today.
Remembering Gene Wilderis a chronological account of the late actor’s journey from obscurity to one of the biggest names in Hollywood. The documentary follows his breakthrough role in Mel Brooks' celebratedThe Producers, revealing that there were many who felt that he wasn’t right for the part, as well as the other highs and lows of his career. In addition to his professional achievements,Remembering Gene Wilderreveals fascinating detailsabout Wilder’s personal life. While many of these more intimate stories relate to his relationships, the documentary also explores lesser-known passions – including painting.
All 16 Actors & Celebrities In The Remembering Gene Wilder Documentary
Plenty of acclaimed actors and celebrities appeared in Remembering Gene Wilder to pay tribute to the incredible comedic talent that was Gene Wilder.
It Started After The Death Of His Wife
As revealed in theRemembering Gene Wilderdocumentary,Wilder had a natural aptitude and enthusiasm for watercolor paintingthat went beyond his career as an actor. More than a passing hobby, his interest in painting developed into a passion project, to which he was prepared to fully commit himself. As fellow performer and friend Alan Arda explained:
“Gene was an extremely talented person in many areas. He was a very, very good painter – mainly watercolors – and he studied art and took lessons. He kept trying to get better and better.”
Although the documentary doesn’t go into great detail about where Wilder’s watercolor career began, other sources suggest thathis specific interest in the subgenre began in the aftermath of his third wife, Gilda Radner’s, death. According to the fine art blogSartle, “Before she died, she gave him a set of watercolors, and painting served as a therapeutic rock in the latter decades of his life.” Although he had been interested in painting since adolescence, watercoloring blossomed into an important creative outlet for Wilder, which, alongside his acting and writing, would define the final period of his professional life.
He Was Deeply Private About His Painting
Although Wilder’s talent as a watercolorist was self-evident,the actor rarely expressed any intention to exhibit his workor to sell it. Instead, it was a much more personal enterprise. As explained onSartle, “while other celebrities paint for diversion or extra publicity, Wilder painted purely as a labor of love,” with Wilder himself quoted as saying “Artistic energy is like a sexual drive to me. It’s always there.”
The impact that this minor exhibition had highlights that Wilder’s skill with a paintbrush was genuinely impressive.
However, although Wilder painted purely for pleasure, he did agree to exhibit a selection of his works at the New Britain Museum of American Art in 2005.The show, dubbed “New/Now: Gene Wilder”,coincided with the release of Wilder’s autobiography,Kiss Me Like A Stranger: My Search For Love And Art. According toSartle, “Though Wilder never expressed interest in exhibiting his work publicly, he agreed out of respect for the museum, and over 600 people came to the opening.” The impact that this minor exhibition had highlights that Wilder’s skill with a paintbrush was genuinely impressive.
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Gene Wilder Gifted Some Of His Art To The New Britain Museum
Most Of His Work Is In A Private Collection
Perhaps understandably, considering how personal Gene Wilder’s watercolors were to him,the whereabouts of many of his paintings remains a mystery. One watercolor of a woman in a pink dress and a hat is believed to have been gifted to the New Britain Museum following the success of his exhibition. However, almost the entirety of Wilder’s body of artistic work belongs to the private Gene and Karen Wilder collection, making it difficult for any of the wider public to appreciate his talents.
Aside from the many fascinating details about Wilder’s career, one of the most exciting aspects ofRemembering Gene Wilderis that some of his paintings are clearly displayed for the first time. In a brief montage, it’s possible to get a sense of Wilder’s command of color and impressive ability to elegantly capture intricate forms. While it’s unclear whether Gene Wilder’s watercolors will ever be made available to view in public again, the documentary at least sheds some light on this crucial aspect of the actor’s character.
Remembering Gene Wilder
Cast
Remembering Gene Wilder is a 2023 documentary-style special tribute honoring the life and career of the beloved actor and comedian. Through archival footage and interviews, the film showcases Wilder’s most memorable performances and his enduring impact on Hollywood.
