The RIP Thread

[isis]

"Gene Wilder's acting during the boat ride sequence in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, was so convincing that it frightened some of the other actors, including Denise Nickerson (Violet). They thought that Wilder really was going mad from being in the tunnel."

"Gene Wilder personally created the Willy Wonka introduction scene where he fakes being crippled."

"After reading the script, Gene Wilder said he would make the film under one condition: that he would be allowed to somersault in the scene when he first meets the children. When asked why, Gene Wilder replied that having Willy Wonka start out limping and end up somersaulting would set the tone for that character. He wanted to portray him as someone whose actions were completely unpredictable."

"Gene Wilder's real name is Jerry Silberman."