Gene Wilder (1933-2016) started performing at the age of thirteen and has been writing screenplays since the early 1970s. Although a modest role in Bonnie and Clyde drew him away from a theater career, he was nominated for an Oscar Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Leo Bloom in The Producers, which led to Blazing Saddles and yet another Academy nomination, this time for writing Young Frankenstein. Wilder has acted in twenty-five feature films as well as several theatrical performances. Kiss Me Like A Stranger was his first novel, and it was followed by My French Whore, The Lady Who Wouldn't, and What Is This Thing Called Love?