Gene Wilder, the beloved actor known for his roles in iconic films like “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” and “Young Frankenstein,” left behind a legacy that continues to touch the hearts of many. Now, nearly eight years after his passing, his wife, Karen Boyer, shares the heart-wrenching details of his final days and his unforgettable last words.
In a new documentary called “Remembering Gene Wilder,” Boyer opens up about the years leading up to his passing, during which he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. She fondly recalls a moment just days before his departure when he surprised her by walking alone across the kitchen and expressing his desire to go swimming.
Gene Wilder’s final swim was a testament to his spirit and love of life. As Boyer watched him dive into the pool, she couldn’t help but feel awestruck. His joy and childlike enthusiasm were evident as he swam a couple of strokes, shook his head to clear the water from his ear, and simply said, “That’s good.” It was a quiet moment of contentment, a final dip into a beloved activity.
Boyer also shares the last words she heard her husband say. They were listening to Ella Fitzgerald’s rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” when Wilder sat up in bed and looked at her. He uttered two simple phrases that carried immense weight: “I trust you” and “I love you.” And with those words, Gene Wilder left this world, leaving behind a love that endures.
Love, Loss, and Second Chances
Gene Wilder’s path to happiness with Karen Boyer was not a straightforward one. They first met in 1989 while Wilder was doing research for his film “See No Evil, Hear No Evil.” But it wasn’t until over a year later that they went on their first date. Boyer entered Wilder’s life after the tragic passing of his third wife, Gilda Radner, who succumbed to ovarian cancer at the tender age of 42.
Boyer describes Gene Wilder as the best husband anyone could ask for, a testament to the love they shared. “To love and be loved is the best gift anybody could ask for, and we had that,” she says, reminiscing about their time together. Their connection was built on a foundation of trust, companionship, and a deep understanding of each other’s hearts.
The Struggles of Memory
During the documentary, Boyer also discusses the challenges Wilder faced with his memory loss. She recalls an instance where he had difficulty remembering the title of his own film, “Young Frankenstein.” Wilder never fully accepted his Alzheimer’s diagnosis, and by the time it was confirmed, the grip of the disease had already tightened its hold. Boyer wonders if he ever truly understood what he was going through. Despite witnessing him slip away, she remained strong, smiling, and assuring him that everything was okay.
Gene Wilder may have left us physically, but his spirit lives on. His incredible talent and kind-hearted nature continue to inspire and entertain audiences of all ages. Through his enduring films and the memories he left behind, he reminds us of the beauty of love, the strength of the human spirit, and the power of cherishing every precious moment in life.
