Key Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jeanne Baer Silberman |
| Birth | August 29, 1907 (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Death | November 18, 1957 (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) |
| Spouse | William J. Silberman |
| Children | Gene Wilder; Corinne Pearlman |
| Heritage | Jewish-American |
Early Life and Family Background
Jeanne Baer Silberman was born into a Jewish-American household in Chicago on August 29, 1907. She relocated with her family to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she built a nurturing home. Her upbringing instilled cultural pride and a deep sense of familial solidarity.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | August 29, 1907 |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois |
| Family Heritage | Jewish-American |
| Relocation | Moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
| Childhood Values | Cultural identity; family unity |
Health Challenges and Personal Resilience
Throughout her life, Jeanne suffered major health challenges, most notably rheumatic fever and, subsequently, ovarian cancer. Despite medical setbacks, she maintained unfailing hope and tenacity. Her resilience became a cornerstone of her family’s strength.
| Illness | Approximate Period | Impact on Family |
|---|---|---|
| Rheumatic Fever | Early 1910s | Encouraged Jerome’s humor to soothe pain |
| Ovarian Cancer | 1957 | Inspired children’s support and creativity |
| Personal Resilience | Throughout adulthood | Modeled strength and perseverance |
Influence on Gene Wilder’s Path
Jeanne’s lasting spirit under illness spurred Jerome Silberman’s early ventures into humor. At age eight, a doctor’s advice to make his mother laugh kindled his imagination. This important incident caused her to send him to the Black-Foxe Military Institute in Hollywood, sending him on an acting trajectory.
| Age at Event | Event | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 8 years | Made mother laugh during illness | Discovered comedic talent |
| Mid-1940s | Enrollment at military institute | Exposure to Hollywood environment |
| Late 1950s | Transition to professional acting | Foundation for Gene Wilder’s career |
Family Life and Legacy
Jeanne married William J. Silberman, a manufacturer of novelty products, and together they raised two children. Their son, Jerome, acquired the stage name Gene Wilder and became a worldwide cinema star. Their daughter, Corinne, led a private existence while cultivating her own family in the advertising business.
| Family Member | Relation | Notable Details |
|---|---|---|
| William J. Silberman | Husband | Novelty items manufacturer |
| Gene Wilder (Jerome) | Son | Actor (1933–2016); adopted Katharine Wilder |
| Corinne Pearlman | Daughter | Married Gilbert Pearlman; two sons; passed February 2022 |
| Katharine Wilder | Adopted granddaughter | Actress; estranged after 1974 divorce |
| Steven Pearlman | Grandson | Private life |
| Jordan Walker-Pearlman | Grandson | Filmmaker; confirmed no relation to Jeremy Allen White |
Recent Family Developments
Since Jeanne’s death in 1957, the Silberman family has commemorated a few major milestones. From Alzheimer’s effects, Gene Wilder died on August 29, 2016. As of April 2025, her grandkids have not been publicly updated since Corinne Pearlman died in February 2022.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| November 18, 1957 | Jeanne died of ovarian cancer in Milwaukee |
| August 29, 2016 | Death of Gene Wilder (Alzheimer’s complications) |
| February 2022 | Passing of Corinne Pearlman at age 86 |
| April 2025 | No recent public updates on surviving descendants |
FAQ
Who was Jeanne Baer Silberman?
Jewish-American mother Jeanne Baer Silberman encouraged her son’s comedy, launching Gene Wilder’s acting career.
How did her health affect family?
Her family’s support and Jerome’s comedy career were motivated by her rheumatic fever and ovarian cancer battles.
How did she influence Gene Wilder?
At eight, Gene helped her laugh to soothe her pain, starting a desire that led to his enrollment at a Hollywood military institute.
Her immediate family; who?
Jerome (Gene Wilder) and Corinne Pearlman were her children with William J. Silberman.
When and where did she pass away?
Jeanne died of ovarian cancer in Milwaukee County on November 18, 1957.
Recent news regarding her descendants?
As of April 2025, Gene Wilder died in 2016 and Corinne Pearlman in 2022, leaving her grandchildren orphaned.
