Kiss Me Like A Stranger

Kiss Me Like A Stranger is Gene Wilder's autobiography, spanning his life from childhood through his acting career and personal relationships. The book focuses on his development as an actor, his experiences in theater and film, and his path to becoming a comedic performer. The narrative covers Wilder's collaborations with Mel Brooks, his marriages, and his work on classic films including Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory and Young Frankenstein. He writes about his relationships with other performers, including Richard Pryor and Gilda Radner, while maintaining a frank, direct style. Through the lens of his personal story, Wilder explores wider themes of artistic growth, love, loss, and the nature of comedy itself. His perspective on the entertainment industry and human relationships emerges naturally through his accounts of key moments in his life.

Readers found this autobiography candid and introspective, appreciating Wilder's honesty about his relationships, anxieties, and career choices. Many noted his straightforward writing style and willingness to discuss personal struggles. Liked: - Behind-the-scenes stories from major films - Details about his relationship with Gilda Radner - Thoughtful reflection on his childhood and family - Humble tone and self-awareness Disliked: - Some readers wanted more humor - Limited coverage of certain films and projects - Not chronological, jumps between time periods - Too much focus on relationships versus career Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (4,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (450+ ratings) "He writes like he's having an intimate conversation with you," noted one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads reader commented: "Expected more laughs, but got something deeper - a raw look at an actor's life."

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🎬 Gene Wilder wrote this memoir at his wife's suggestion while battling non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, using writing as therapeutic reflection during his treatment. 🎭 Despite his legendary comedy career, Wilder reveals he initially trained as a serious dramatic actor at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School in England. 💕 The book's title "Kiss Me Like A Stranger" comes from a phrase Wilder's third wife Gilda Radner would say to him when she wanted to be romantic. 🎯 Before becoming an actor, Wilder served as a fencing instructor while completing his military service in the U.S. Army's medical corps. 🌟 Throughout the memoir, Wilder discusses his complex relationship with Mel Brooks, including how Brooks initially promised him the role of Leo Bloom in The Producers while drunk at a party - a promise Brooks later kept.