10 Things You Didn't Know About Gene Wilder
6. When He Was A Teenager, His Mother Sent Him To A Military Institute
As early as aged eight Wilder became interested in performance. It started when his mother was diagnosed with rheumatic fever and the doctor asked Gene to try and make her laugh. Enjoying the challenge and her positive reaction, Wilder soon became enamoured with comedy.
Unfortunately for Wilder, his mother Jeanne didn't see his early potential, convinced he was wasting his time. This prompted her to send him to Black-Foxe, a military institute in Hollywood meant to teach discipline and practical skills.
Wilder's time at Black-Foxe was absolutely miserable. He later claimed that he was bullied and sexually assaulted for being the only Jewish pupil. Thankfully, Wilder didn't stay there for long and when he finally returned home his determination to act had only increased.