Mary Joan Schutz: The Untold Story of Gene Wilder’s Ex-Wife

When you hear the name Gene Wilder, you probably think of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Young Frankenstein, or The Producers. He was one of Hollywood’s most loved actors, known for his humor, charm, and unforgettable performances. But behind the screen, Gene Wilder’s life had personal chapters filled with love, heartbreak, and family moments that many people don’t know about.

One of those chapters involves Mary Joan Schutz, Gene Wilder’s second wife. She was not a celebrity, but her life became connected to one of the most iconic stars in Hollywood. Even today, people wonder: Who is Mary Joan Schutz? What happened to her after her marriage to Gene Wilder ended? Where is she now?

Let’s take a closer look at her life, her relationship with Gene Wilder, and the story of their family.

Mary Joan Schutz Quick Bio

Who Is Mary Joan Schutz?

Mary Joan Schutz is best known as the ex-wife of actor, comedian, filmmaker, and author Gene Wilder. She gained public attention in the late 1960s when she married Gene, but unlike him, she was never a public figure. In fact, Mary has always preferred a private and quiet life, away from cameras and media headlines.

She is remembered by fans mostly because of her time with Gene Wilder during the height of his career. While Gene became a Hollywood star, Mary remained in the background, supporting him and focusing on her family. After their divorce in 1974, she disappeared from the spotlight, making her life today something of a mystery.

Early Life and Family Background

Mary Joan Schutz was born in 1938 in Pennsylvania, United States. As of 2025, she is 87 years old. She grew up with her parents, Nancy Schutz and Robert L. Schutz. Not much is known about her early life or childhood because she has always been a private person.

She wasn’t someone who dreamed of Hollywood fame. Before meeting Gene Wilder, Mary lived a simple and normal life. She had been married before and had a daughter named Katharine from that first marriage. This part of her life shows that she was a family-oriented woman long before she met the famous actor.

How Mary Met Gene Wilder

Mary Joan Schutz’s life changed forever when she met Gene Wilder. Their meeting wasn’t random — Gene’s sister introduced them. At the time, Gene had already been through one marriage with his first wife, Mary Mercier. He was single again, and Mary Joan Schutz was also open to a new chapter in her life.

From the start, Gene was drawn to Mary. She was kind, warm, and down-to-earth. She wasn’t part of the Hollywood world, and perhaps that was what made her stand out. Her daughter, Katharine, also played a big role in their relationship. She quickly grew close to Gene and even began calling him “Dad,” which touched Gene’s heart.

Their Marriage

On October 27, 1967, Mary Joan Schutz and Gene Wilder got married. Gene was 34 years old, and Mary was 29. It was a happy time for both of them. Gene’s career was on the rise, and Mary brought a sense of stability and family into his life.

That same year, Gene made a beautiful gesture — he adopted Mary’s daughter, Katharine. Katharine already saw him as a father figure, and this step made their family bond even stronger. Together, they seemed to be building a happy life while Gene was working on some of his most famous films.

Who Is Katharine Wilder?

Katharine Wilder is Mary Joan Schutz’s only daughter and Gene Wilder’s only adopted child. At the time of the marriage, Katharine was still very young. She adored Gene, and he loved her deeply as if she were his own biological daughter.

In later years, Katharine decided to follow a career in acting, much like her famous stepfather. She has appeared in several films and TV series, including Call the Midwife, Two Heads Creek, and The Faceless Lady. As of 2025, she is known as a talented actress with more than a dozen acting credits.

But Katharine’s relationship with Gene didn’t stay as close as it once was. Their bond suffered after Mary and Gene’s marriage came to an end, which we’ll talk about shortly.

Why Did Mary Joan Schutz and Gene Wilder Divorce?

Every marriage has its struggles, and the marriage between Mary Joan Schutz and Gene Wilder was no different. As Gene’s fame grew, life became more hectic and public. By 1974, after seven years of marriage, the couple decided to go their separate ways.

There were rumors at the time that Mary suspected Gene of having an affair with his Young Frankenstein co-star Madeline Kahn, although this was never confirmed. Whether or not the rumors were true, the tension in their relationship was enough to lead to a divorce. It was a tough time for both of them, especially for Katharine, who was still young.

What Happened Between Gene and Katharine?

The divorce didn’t just end the marriage between Gene and Mary — it also affected Gene’s relationship with Katharine. Once close and loving, their bond broke apart. Katharine reportedly cut all ties with Gene after the split. It’s believed that she blamed him for the separation from her mother.

This loss was deeply painful for Gene. He spoke about it in interviews and even wrote about it in his memoir Kiss Me Like a Stranger: My Search for Love and Art, which he published in 2005. He wrote the book partly in the hope that Katharine might read it and understand his side of the story. Sadly, sources say they never reconciled before Gene’s passing in 2016.

Where Is Mary Joan Schutz Today?

After her divorce from Gene Wilder in 1974, Mary Joan Schutz completely stepped away from the spotlight. Unlike many people connected to celebrities, Mary chose privacy over fame. She did not give interviews or appear in Hollywood events. She wanted to live a peaceful life, focusing on her family and personal happiness.

As of 2025, Mary is 87 years old and is said to be living a quiet life in Georgia, USA. There are no public photos or statements from her in recent years, which makes her story even more mysterious. But this privacy also shows that Mary values her own space and prefers to live away from the fast-paced world of entertainment.

Did Mary Joan Schutz Remarry?

Many fans often ask if Mary ever remarried after her split from Gene Wilder. The truth is, there is no public record of her remarrying. If she did, she has kept it completely private. It seems she was happy to step away from Hollywood life and focus on raising her daughter, Katharine.

Even though she is no longer connected to Gene, people still remember her as an important part of his life. She was there during some of his biggest career moments, like the success of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory and Young Frankenstein.

Gene Wilder’s Life After Mary

After his marriage with Mary Joan Schutz ended, Gene remained single for almost 10 years. In 1984, he married comedian and actress Gilda Radner, who was also a beloved star. Their love story was beautiful but short-lived. Gilda passed away in 1989 due to ovarian cancer, which left Gene heartbroken.

Two years later, in 1991, Gene married Karen Boyer, a speech pathologist. This marriage lasted until Gene’s death in 2016. Gene spent his later years acting in films, writing books, and living a quiet life with Karen, far from the public eye.

How Did Gene Wilder Die?

Gene Wilder passed away on August 29, 2016, at the age of 83. He died at his home in Stamford, Connecticut. The cause of death was complications from Alzheimer’s disease, which he had been diagnosed with three years before his passing. His family kept his illness private until after his death, which shocked and saddened his fans around the world.

Even though he is no longer with us, Gene’s movies and books continue to inspire millions of people. His role as Willy Wonka remains one of the most iconic performances in film history.

Mary Joan Schutz’s Daughter, Katharine Wilder

Mary’s daughter, Katharine Wilder, has grown into a talented actress. She is best known for her roles in shows like Call the Midwife and films such as Two Heads Creek and The Faceless Lady. Katharine has built a successful career, but she still lives a fairly private life, just like her mother.

Sadly, Katharine’s relationship with Gene Wilder never healed after the divorce. Gene wrote his 2005 memoir Kiss Me Like a Stranger partly in the hope that she would read it and reconnect with him, but this never happened before his passing. Today, Katharine continues to honor her own path in the entertainment world.

Mary Joan Schutz’s Net Worth and Lifestyle

Not much is known about Mary Joan Schutz’s net worth because she has always kept her career and personal finances private. It’s possible she lived a comfortable life after her divorce, but there are no public details.

Her daughter Katharine, on the other hand, has built her own success. As of 2025, Katharine is estimated to have a net worth of about $1.5 million from her acting career. Gene Wilder himself was worth around $20 million at the time of his death, though it’s unclear how much of that went to Mary or Katharine.

Why Is Mary Joan Schutz Still a Mystery?

One reason people are so curious about Mary Joan Schutz is because she is so private. She never used her connection to Gene Wilder to gain fame or attention. Instead, she stepped away from the spotlight and lived her own life quietly.

In today’s world, where everyone shares their lives on social media, Mary’s choice to stay silent is rare. It makes people even more interested in her story. She is remembered not just as Gene Wilder’s wife, but as someone who chose peace over publicity.

Final Thoughts

Mary Joan Schutz may not be a Hollywood star, but her story is closely tied to one of the most beloved actors of all time. Her marriage to Gene Wilder, their family life, and the way she lived quietly after their divorce show a side of Hollywood that is rarely seen.

Even in 2025, Mary remains a figure of curiosity. She is alive, living peacefully, and staying true to her private nature. For fans of Gene Wilder, her story is a reminder that behind every famous face, there are real people with real lives and emotions.

(FAQs)

Did Gene Wilder’s only daughter cut him off forever?

Yes. After his divorce from Mary Joan Schutz, Katharine Wilder completely cut ties with him, and they never reconciled before his death in 2016.

Is Mary Joan Schutz still alive in 2025?

Surprisingly, yes. She is 87 years old and living a quiet, private life in Georgia, USA.

Did Gene Wilder ever have a biological child?

No. Gene Wilder never had biological children. Katharine, Mary’s daughter, was his only adopted child.

Did Gene Wilder and Mary Joan Schutz split because of an affair?

It’s widely believed that Mary suspected Gene of having an affair with his Young Frankenstein co-star Madeline Kahn, which led to their divorce.

Why has Mary Joan Schutz never spoken publicly about Gene Wilder?

She has never given interviews or made public statements, even after Gene’s death, making her one of the most mysterious figures in Hollywood history.

People also read:

• Dorothée Lepère
• Harlene Rosen
• Lorraine Howitt