Gilda Radner
Gilda Radner (Gilda Susan Radner) was born on June 28th, 1946. Gilda passed away May 20th, 1989 at 42 years old. Gilda Radner was born in Detroit, Michigan, USA.
Gilda Susan Radner was an American comedian and actress, best known as one of the original cast members of the
Not Ready for Prime-Time Players on
Saturday Night Live (SNL). From the show’s debut in 1975 until her departure in 1980, she specialized in parodies of television stereotypes, including news anchors and advice specialists. Her performances earned her an Emmy Award in 1978. Radner also brought many of these beloved characters to the stage in her one-woman show,
Gilda Live.
After leaving
Saturday Night Live, Radner starred in several films and continued her stage work, appearing in the play
Lunch Hour alongside Sam Waterston in 1980. She also made guest appearances on premium cable television, including
It’s Garry Shandling’s Show and
The New Show.
Her legacy endured long after her passing. In 1990, she posthumously won a Grammy Award, and in 1992, she was inducted into the
Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame. She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2003, and many comedians and authors have cited her as an influence on their work.
In 1989, Radner published
It’s Always Something, a deeply personal memoir chronicling her battle with ovarian cancer. Unlike many memoirs written in hindsight, hers was penned in the midst of her struggle, making it one of the most powerful and raw accounts of living with cancer.
Radner’s writing is both strong and poignant, filled with emotions ranging from despair to courage. Happily married to actor Gene Wilder, she endured ongoing health challenges while trying to conceive. After surgery and various treatments failed, she became pregnant while filming in England, only to suffer a miscarriage. Her health continued to decline, leading to further medical investigations.
With a family history of cancer on her mother’s side, Radner underwent multiple tests, which eventually revealed a large ovarian tumor. She initially responded well to treatment, but the cancer relapsed, prompting further interventions. Despite temporary improvements, setbacks followed.
Through her journey, Radner gained profound insights into human connections and the power of support systems such as The Wellness Community. She also came to appreciate the strength found in marriage and the importance of holding onto hope, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.
At one point,
Life magazine featured her as a cancer survivor, capturing what seemed to be a triumphant moment in her recovery. Unfortunately, the disease returned, forcing her to fight once again. Ever resilient, Radner faced her illness with humor and determination, playfully referring to herself as “Cancer Woman”—a superhero who could endure anything without being defeated.
Gilda Radner: Lists & Other Mentions
- It's Always Something was a New York Times: #1 Nonfiction Best Seller in 1989.
Related Authors
The most common authors followed by users who also follow Gilda Radner are:
- Stephen King, author of The Dark Tower Series.
- J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter Series.
- Harlan Coben, author of the Myron Bolitar Series.
- Linwood Barclay, author of the novel: Elevator Pitch.
- Michael Connelly, author of the Harry Bosch Series.
Gilda Radner: F.A.Q
When was Gilda Radner Born?
Gilda Radner was born on June 28th, 1946.
When did Gilda Radner die?
Gilda Radner died on May 20th, 1989 at 42 years old.
Where was Gilda Radner Born?
Gilda Radner was born in Detroit, Michigan, USA.
What was the first book Gilda Radner wrote?
The first book written by Gilda Radner was It's Always Something, published in 1989.
What was the most recent book Gilda Radner wrote?
Her most recently released work was It's Always Something on July 1st, 1989.
How many books has Gilda Radner written?
Gilda Radner has written 1 book. All of her books are Non-Fiction Books.