Gilda Radner

Bio:
Gilda Radner (born Gilda Susan Radner in Detroit, Michigan, on June 28, 1946) was an American comedian and actress. After dropping out of the University of Michigan in her senior year to follow a boyfriend, Gilda landed her first professional acting gig in a production of Godspell in 1972. She later became a featured player on National Lampoon Radio Hour alongside the likes of comedians Chevy Chase and John Belushi, with whom Gilda became a member of the Saturday Night Live cast for its first season. During her time on SNL, Gilda also had a successful one-woman show on Broadway, Gilda Radner – Live From New York. Gilda remained on SNL for five years, leaving in 1980 to pursue more work on Broadway and in film. She was diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer in 1986, going into remission in 1988 but sadly facing the cancer’s return later that year. Gilda passed away on May 20, 1989 at just 42 years old.

Best Known For:
Gilda was best known for being one of the original cast members on NBC’s Saturday Night Live as well as her marriage to Gene Wilder.

Personal Life:
Upon meeting fellow comedian Gene Wilder on the set of the 1982 film Hanky Panky, Gilda said it was “love at first sight.” At the time, Gilda was married to guitarist G.E. Smith, divorcing him later that year. Gene and Gilda’s relationship grew stronger when they made another movie together, The Woman In Red, and the two married on September 18, 1984. Gilda and Gene were married until her death.