A new Off-Broadway production is bringing one of comedy’s most beloved real-life love stories back to the stage – the whirlwind romance of Jewish actors Gene Wilder and Gilda Radner. Known for their unmatched comedic chemistry both on and off screen, Wilder and Radner first met on the set of the 1982 film Hanky Panky, quickly falling in love and marrying two years later.

Wilder, born Jerome Silberman to Russian-Jewish parents, became an iconic figure in American film through classics like Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Young Frankenstein, and Blazing Saddles. Radner, the child of a Jewish family from Detroit, gained fame as one of the original cast members of Saturday Night Live, creating unforgettable characters that made her a household name.

The play, inspired by their deep connection, explores their passion, humor, creative partnership, and the heartbreaking chapter of Radner’s battle with ovarian cancer, which took her life in 1989. Wilder’s enduring love for her shaped his later advocacy for cancer awareness and research.

The production not only celebrates two comedic geniuses but also honors their shared Jewish heritage, which shaped their values, resilience, and artistry. Audiences will see a touching portrayal of how love and laughter can leave an eternal mark, even in the face of tragedy.

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Source: Jewish Telegraphic Agency, August 2025