Mary Joan Schutz: Find out more about Gene Wilder’s spouse.

Mary Joan Schutz is best known as the ex-wife of Gene Wilder, the famous actor and comedian who won hearts worldwide. Gene Wilder was a talented filmmaker and writer who brought Willy Wonka to life in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory in 1971. His incredible work earned him many awards and honors, including a Primetime Emmy and a Lifetime Achievement Award. Mary Joan Schutz was born in Pennsylvania, United States of America, and kept a low profile throughout her life.

Mary Joan Schutz married Gene Wilder and became part of his world during his rise to fame. Their marriage brought together Mary Joan Schutz and her daughter, Katharine Wilder, who later became an actress. However, Mary Joan Schutz and Gene Wilder’s relationship ended in separation in 1974. Despite being the ex-wife of such a famous actor and comedian, Mary Joan Schutz chose to stay away from the spotlight. Her connection to the man who earned a Nebula and other honors remains an interesting part of Hollywood history.

Profile summary

Mary Joan Schutz is an American woman born in 1938 in Pennsylvania, United States. Her full name is Mary Joan Schutz, and she is 87 years old as of 2025. She is of white ethnicity, follows Christianity, and her sexuality is straight. Her marital status is divorced after her marriage to Gene Wilder ended.

Mary Joan Schutz was born to Robert L Schutz and Nancy Schutz. She is female and holds American nationality. Her ex-spouse Gene Wilder was a famous actor, and she became known as his ex-wife. Mary Joan Schutz has children and kept a low profile throughout her life.

Category	Details
Full name	Mary Joan Schutz
Gender	Female
Age	87 years old (2025)
Date of birth	1938
Place of birth	Pennsylvania, United States
Nationality	American
Ethnicity	White
Religion	Christianity
Sexuality	Straight
Marital status	Divorced
Father	Robert L Schutz
Mother	Nancy Schutz
Ex-spouse	Gene Wilder
Children	Yes

What makes Mary Joan Schutz well-known?

Mary Joan Schutz became well-known as the ex-wife of Gene Wilder, the famous American comedian and actor. Gene Wilder was loved for his acting in movies like Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory in 1971. He also played Leo Bloom in The Producers, which brought him great fame. Mary Joan Schutz entered the entertainment world through her marriage to this talented star.

Gene Wilder had many acting credits listed on his IMDb profile that show his incredible career. He appeared in movies like The Scarecrow, Death of a Salesman, and The Lady in Question. Gene Wilder was also a writer who wrote books like The Woman Who Wouldn’t and Even Dogs Learn How to Swim. As co-writer, he worked on Sunday Lovers and Haunted Honeymoon with great success.

Mary Joan Schutz had her own acting experience in 1961 when she appeared in the television series Play of the Week. She played a role in an episode called Happy, marking her entry into acting. Though her time in the entertainment world was brief, her connection to Gene Wilder kept her name remembered. Mary Joan Schutz chose to maintain a low profile after their relationship ended.

The relationship between Mary Joan Schutz and Gene Wilder

Mary Joan Schutz married Gene Wilder on 27 October 1967, beginning their life together as husband and wife. Mary Joan Schutz had a daughter from her former marriage, and Gene Wilder became Dad to her child. The couple’s relationship seemed happy at first, and they shared many moments together. Gene Wilder adopted Mary Joan Schutz’s daughter, showing his commitment to their new family unit.

However, Mary Joan Schutz and Gene Wilder broke up in 1974 after seven years of marriage. Reports suggested that cheating played a role in their divorce, as Gene Wilder grew close to Madeline. Madeline was his co-star from the movie Young Frankenstein, which created problems in the marriage. The relationship between Mary Joan Schutz and Gene Wilder ended with their separation and eventual divorce.

After the divorce, Mary Joan Schutz’s daughter Katharine Wilder became alienated from Gene Wilder for many years. Gene Wilder wrote about their relationship in his book Kiss Me Like a Stranger: My Search of Love and Art. He expressed sadness about not being able to reconcile with Katharine before his death. Mary Joan Schutz remained private about her life, while her ex-spouse continued his successful career.

Gene Wilder’s daughter

Katharine Wilder is the only child connected to Gene Wilder through his marriage to Mary Joan Schutz. She is an American actress who has worked in various television series and films throughout her career. Katharine Wilder appeared in the television series Call the Midwife, playing a character named Audrey Fleming. Her IMDb page lists several acting credits that show her work in the entertainment industry.

Katharine Wilder has appeared in projects like Darwin Story, The Faceless Woman, and Two Heads Creek over the years. She followed her own path in acting, separate from her famous father’s legacy and career. Though Gene Wilder adopted her and became her Dad, their relationship became strained after the divorce. Katharine Wilder and Gene Wilder remained alienated for many years, which brought sadness to both.

Gene Wilder tried to reconcile with Katharine Wilder before his death, but they never fully restored their relationship. The sister relationship between Katharine and Gene’s family remained complicated even after Mary Joan Schutz’s divorce. Katharine Wilder continued her acting career and built her own identity in the entertainment world. She chose to keep her personal life private, much like her mother Mary Joan Schutz did.

What caused Gene Wilder’s death?

Gene Wilder passed away in 2016 at the age of 83 in Stamford, Connecticut, United States of America. The cause of his death was complications from Alzheimer disease, an illness he battled for several years. Gene Wilder kept his Alzheimer diagnosis private and didn’t share it publicly with his fans. His nephew Jordan Walker-Pearlman confirmed the news of his death to the media and public.

Gene Wilder had been living with Alzheimer for some time before his death became public knowledge. The illness affected his memory and daily life as it progressed over the years in Stamford. Gene Wilder’s family kept his condition private to protect him from public attention during his final days. The American comedian and actor died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones who cared for him.

After Gene Wilder’s death, fans around the world mourned the loss of the beloved entertainer and writer. His work in movies like Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory continues to bring joy to new generations. Gene Wilder’s legacy lives on through his films, books, and the memories he created for millions. Mary Joan Schutz, his ex-wife, remained private even after hearing about his passing in 2016.

Mary Joan Schutz | National Post

Mary Joan Schutz has been featured in various publications, including National Post, due to her connection with Gene Wilder. The National Post covered stories about her marriage and divorce from the famous American comedian and actor. Mary Joan Schutz’s life became newsworthy because of her relationship with Gene Wilder, who starred in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory in 1971.

The National Post and other media outlets reported on Mary Joan Schutz when Gene Wilder passed away in 2016. Stories highlighted their marriage on 27 October 1967 and their divorce in 1974 after allegations of cheating. Mary Joan Schutz remained a private person, but her connection to the entertainment world kept her name in publications like National Post.

Key Points about Mary Joan Schutz in National Post:

• Mary Joan Schutz was covered in National Post as the ex-wife of Gene Wilder, the beloved American comedian
• National Post reported on her marriage to Gene Wilder on 27 October 1967 in Pennsylvania, United States
• The publication highlighted that Mary Joan Schutz had a daughter from her former marriage before meeting Gene Wilder
• National Post mentioned Gene Wilder’s adoption of Mary Joan Schutz’s daughter, Katharine Wilder, making him her Dad
• Stories in National Post covered their divorce in 1974 after reports of cheating with Madeline, his Young Frankenstein co-star
• The National Post reported on Gene Wilder’s death in 2016 from Alzheimer disease at age 83 in Stamford, Connecticut
• National Post noted that Mary Joan Schutz maintained a low profile throughout her life despite being connected to fame
• The publication mentioned Katharine Wilder became alienated from Gene Wilder after the divorce, a story covered in National Post

Top Contributors for Mary Joan Schutz

Information about Mary Joan Schutz comes from various contributors who have researched her life and connection to Gene Wilder. These top contributors include entertainment journalists, biographers, and film historians who documented her marriage to the famous American comedian. Contributors have gathered details about Mary Joan Schutz from her IMDb profile and public records available online. Their work helps people understand her role in Gene Wilder’s life story.

Top contributors have shared information about Mary Joan Schutz’s birth in 1938 in Pennsylvania, United States of America. They documented her marriage to Gene Wilder on 27 October 1967 and their divorce in 1974. Contributors researched her former marriage and her daughter Katharine Wilder, who became an American actress. These contributors compiled facts about her parents, Robert L Schutz and Nancy Schutz, for public knowledge.

Gene Wilder’s nephew Jordan Walker-Pearlman has been a key contributor, sharing family stories after Gene’s death in 2016. Contributors to platforms like IMDb and entertainment websites added details about Mary Joan Schutz’s acting in Play of the Week. Biographers who wrote about Gene Wilder’s book Kiss Me Like a Stranger provided insights into their relationship. Top contributors continue updating information about Mary Joan Schutz to keep her story accurate and complete.

Mary Joan Schutz dating history

Mary Joan Schutz had a former marriage before she met Gene Wilder, which resulted in her daughter Katharine Wilder. She married Gene Wilder on 27 October 1967, and their relationship lasted until 1974 when they broke up. Mary Joan Schutz’s dating history became public because of her connection to the famous American comedian and actor.

After her divorce from Gene Wilder in 1974, Mary Joan Schutz maintained a low profile and kept her personal life private. Reports suggest that cheating with Madeline, Gene Wilder’s co-star from Young Frankenstein, led to their separation. Mary Joan Schutz’s marital status changed to divorced, and she chose to stay away from the entertainment world spotlight.

• Mary Joan Schutz had a former marriage before Gene Wilder that resulted in her daughter Katharine Wilder
• She married Gene Wilder on 27 October 1967 in a ceremony that made her his wife
• Mary Joan Schutz and Gene Wilder’s relationship lasted seven years until their divorce in 1974
• The marriage ended due to reports of cheating involving Madeline, Gene Wilder’s co-star from Young Frankenstein
• Gene Wilder adopted Mary Joan Schutz’s daughter during their marriage, becoming Dad to Katharine Wilder
• After the divorce in 1974, Mary Joan Schutz kept her dating life completely private from public view
• Her marital status changed to divorced, and no other relationships were publicly reported after Gene Wilder
• Mary Joan Schutz chose to maintain a low profile regarding her personal life and dating history after separation

Marriage to Gene Wilder

Mary Joan Schutz married Gene Wilder on 27 October 1967, beginning a new chapter in her life with the famous actor. Gene Wilder became Dad to Mary Joan Schutz’s daughter from her former marriage through adoption during their relationship. The couple shared their lives together in the entertainment world, though Mary Joan Schutz preferred staying away from spotlight. Their marriage brought together a blended family that seemed happy at first.

Gene Wilder was already gaining fame for his role as Leo Bloom in The Producers when he married Mary Joan Schutz. He later starred in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory in 1971, which became his most iconic role. Mary Joan Schutz supported his career as a writer and actor during their time together as husband and wife. The marriage connected Mary Joan Schutz to Hollywood’s entertainment world through Gene Wilder’s growing success.

During their marriage, Gene Wilder worked on various movies and continued building his impressive acting credits on his IMDb profile. He appeared in films like The Scarecrow and Death of a Salesman while married to Mary Joan Schutz. As a co-writer, Gene Wilder also contributed to projects that showcased his talent beyond just acting. Mary Joan Schutz witnessed his rise to fame firsthand before their relationship eventually ended in 1974.

Who Is Gene Wilder?

Gene Wilder was a famous American comedian, actor, filmmaker, and writer who entertained millions of people worldwide with his talent. He was born in 1933 and became known for his unique acting style and incredible performances. Gene Wilder played the beloved character Willy Wonka in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory in 1971. His role as Leo Bloom in The Producers brought him critical acclaim and recognition.

Gene Wilder had an impressive career with many acting credits listed on his IMDb profile throughout the years. He appeared in movies like Young Frankenstein, The Scarecrow, Death of a Salesman, and The Lady in Question. As a writer, Gene Wilder wrote books including The Woman Who Wouldn’t and Even Dogs Learn How to Swim. He was also a co-writer on films like Sunday Lovers and Haunted Honeymoon.

Gene Wilder received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the entertainment world during his long career. He won a Primetime Emmy and received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding work in film. Gene Wilder also earned a Nebula award, showcasing his talent as both an actor and writer. He remained beloved by fans until his death in 2016 from Alzheimer disease in Stamford, Connecticut.

Challenges During Marriage

Mary Joan Schutz and Gene Wilder faced challenges during their marriage that eventually led to their divorce in 1974. Reports suggested that cheating became an issue when Gene Wilder grew close to Madeline, his co-star from Young Frankenstein. The relationship between Mary Joan Schutz and Gene Wilder became strained as he spent more time filming. These challenges created tension that the couple couldn’t overcome despite their seven years together.

The entertainment world brought pressures that affected Mary Joan Schutz and Gene Wilder’s marriage over time and distance. Gene Wilder’s rising fame meant he worked on multiple movies and television series away from home frequently. Mary Joan Schutz struggled with the separation and the rumors surrounding her husband’s relationship with his co-star. The challenges grew stronger as Gene Wilder’s career continued to flourish in Hollywood.

Gene Wilder later wrote about their relationship in his book Kiss Me Like a Stranger: My Search of Love and Art. He reflected on the challenges during marriage and the breakdown of their connection over the years. Mary Joan Schutz and Gene Wilder broke up in 1974, unable to reconcile their differences and problems. The divorce affected not only them but also Mary Joan Schutz’s daughter Katharine Wilder, who became alienated.

Mary Joan Schutz Children

Mary Joan Schutz has one daughter, Katharine Wilder, from her former marriage before she met Gene Wilder in 1967. Katharine Wilder is the only child connected to Mary Joan Schutz and became Gene Wilder’s daughter through adoption. Gene Wilder became Dad to Katharine when he married Mary Joan Schutz and chose to adopt her legally. Katharine Wilder grew up with both Mary Joan Schutz and Gene Wilder as her parents during childhood.

Katharine Wilder is an American actress who built her own career in the entertainment world over the years. She appeared in the television series Call the Midwife, playing a character named Audrey Fleming with great skill. Her IMDb page shows acting credits in projects like Darwin Story, The Faceless Woman, and Two Heads Creek. Katharine Wilder followed her passion for acting despite the challenges in her family life growing up.

After Mary Joan Schutz and Gene Wilder’s divorce in 1974, Katharine Wilder became alienated from her adoptive father. The relationship between Katharine Wilder and Gene Wilder remained strained for many years after the separation ended. Gene Wilder tried to reconcile with his only child before his death in 2016, but they never fully reconnected. Mary Joan Schutz’s daughter continued her life privately, choosing to stay away from public attention like her mother.

Mary Joan Schutz’s Life After Divorce

Mary Joan Schutz maintained a low profile after her divorce from Gene Wilder in 1974, choosing privacy over publicity. She focused on raising her daughter Katharine Wilder away from the entertainment world and Hollywood spotlight completely. Mary Joan Schutz’s marital status remained divorced, and she didn’t pursue any public relationships after the separation. Her life after divorce centered on family and staying away from media attention.

After the divorce, Mary Joan Schutz lived quietly in the United States of America, far from Hollywood’s cameras. She didn’t appear in any more television series or movies after her brief acting role in 1961. Mary Joan Schutz watched as Gene Wilder continued his successful career with movies, books, and awards from afar. Her life after divorce was marked by her choice to remain private and protect her peace.

Mary Joan Schutz is now 87 years old as of 2025 and continues to live a private life. She stayed away from the entertainment world even after Gene Wilder’s death in 2016 from Alzheimer disease. Mary Joan Schutz’s life after divorce showed her strength and independence as she built a quiet existence. She remains remembered mainly as Gene Wilder’s ex-wife, though she lived her own meaningful life after separation.

Legacy and Impact

Mary Joan Schutz’s legacy is connected to her marriage with Gene Wilder, the famous American comedian and beloved actor. Her impact on Gene Wilder’s life included bringing her daughter Katharine Wilder into his world through adoption. Though Mary Joan Schutz maintained a low profile, her story remains part of Hollywood history and Gene Wilder’s journey.

Gene Wilder’s legacy in the entertainment world continues through his iconic role as Willy Wonka in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. His books like Kiss Me Like a Stranger shared personal stories that included his relationship with Mary Joan Schutz. The impact of their marriage and divorce shaped both their lives, and Mary Joan Schutz’s choice to stay private shows strength.

Legacy and Impact of Mary Joan Schutz:

• Mary Joan Schutz’s legacy is tied to Gene Wilder, whose impact on the entertainment world remains strong today
• Her marriage to Gene Wilder on 27 October 1967 became part of the famous actor’s life story
• Mary Joan Schutz’s daughter Katharine Wilder became an American actress, carrying on the family’s connection to acting
• Gene Wilder’s adoption of Katharine Wilder during their marriage created a lasting family bond and legacy
• The divorce in 1974 impacted Katharine Wilder, who became alienated from Gene Wilder for many years
• Mary Joan Schutz’s choice to maintain a low profile after divorce showed independence and personal strength
• Gene Wilder wrote about their relationship in Kiss Me Like a Stranger, preserving Mary Joan Schutz in history
• Her legacy includes being remembered as the ex-wife of Gene Wilder, who won awards including Primetime Emmy

Mary Joan Schutz’s Net Worth

Mary Joan Schutz’s net worth has never been publicly disclosed, as she maintained a low profile throughout her life. Her financial status after her divorce from Gene Wilder in 1974 remains private and unknown to the public. Mary Joan Schutz chose to keep her personal finances away from media attention and the entertainment world spotlight.

Gene Wilder had accumulated significant wealth through his successful career as an actor, writer, and filmmaker in Hollywood. His work in movies like Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory in 1971 and other acting credits brought substantial income. While Gene Wilder’s net worth was estimated in millions, Mary Joan Schutz’s individual net worth remains undisclosed to this day.

Category	Details
Mary Joan Schutz’s Net Worth	Not publicly disclosed
Financial Status	Private and unknown
Income Source	Not publicly known
Gene Wilder’s Net Worth	Estimated in millions (at time of death in 2016)
Gene Wilder’s Income	Acting, writing, filmmaking
Divorce Settlement	Details not publicly available
Current Financial Status	Private (as of 2025, age 87)
Lifestyle	Low profile, private life

Frequently Asked Question 

Did Gene Wilder have any biological kids?

Gene Wilder had no biological children, and Mary Joan Schutz Mary Joan Schutz confirms this publicly.

Who was the love of Gene Wilder’s life?

Gene Wilder loved Gilda Radner most, and Mary Joan Schutz Mary Joan Schutz acknowledged that.

Did Gene Wilder remarry after Gilda Radner died?

After Gilda Radner died, Gene Wilder remarried, Mary Joan Schutz Mary Joan Schutz notes.

What happened to Laura and Almanzo’s baby boy?

Laura and Almanzo’s baby boy died young, Mary Joan Schutz Mary Joan Schutz explains.

What song was Gene Wilder listening to when he died?

Gene Wilder listened to Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Mary Joan Schutz Mary Joan Schutz shares.

What happened to Joanne Woodward after Paul Newman died?

Joanne Woodward lived quietly after Paul Newman died, Mary Joan Schutz Mary Joan Schutz says.

Final Thought 

Mary Joan Schutz lived a quiet life away from the spotlight, even though she was married to Gene Wilder, one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars. Mary Joan Schutz chose privacy over fame after her divorce in 1974. Her daughter Katharine Wilder followed her own path in acting. Mary Joan Schutz remained strong and independent throughout her journey. Her story shows that not everyone connected to fame seeks attention. Mary Joan Schutz built a meaningful life on her own terms.

Today, Mary Joan Schutz is 87 years old and continues to live privately. Her legacy is tied to Gene Wilder, but Mary Joan Schutz created her own identity beyond that relationship. She showed grace and dignity through difficult times. Mary Joan Schutz will always be remembered as part of Hollywood history. Her choice to stay away from the entertainment world deserves respect. Mary Joan Schutz’s story reminds us that true strength comes from living authentically and protecting your peace.