Born Jerry Silverman in Milwaukee, WI; educated at the University of Iowa, Bristol Old Vic and the Actors Studio. Wilder was an established stage actor when his performance as the endearingly frantic Leo Bloom in THE PRODUCERS (1968) kicked off a celebrated collaboration with Mel Brooks, culminating with the inspired lunacy of BLAZING SADDLES (1973) and YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN (1974). Spurred by these triumphs, Wilder made his directorial debut with THE ADVENTURE OF SHERLOCK HOLMES' SMARTER BROTHER (1975). His subsequent behind-the-camera efforts have, on the whole, been disappointing. As an actor, Wilder has teamed with comedian Richard Pryor in a series of commercially successful, if predictable, comic romps. Other notable screen credits include START THE REVOLUTION WITHOUT ME (1970), WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY (1971), RHINOCEROS (1973), THE LITTLE PRINCE (1974), SILVER STREAK (1976), STIR CRAZY (1980), THE WOMAN IN RED (1984, also writer & director) and HAUNTED HONEYMOON (1986, also writer & director). Since 1991, his appearances have been primarily on television. He wrote, produced, directed and starred in THE WORLD'S GREATEST LOVER (1977). Wilder was married to the late comedienne Gilda Radner from 1984 until her premature death in 1989.  Nominated for Supporting Actor 1968: THE PRODUCERS  Nominated for Writing (Best Screenplay adapted from other material) 1974: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN (w. Mel Brooks) 2 nominations