In the Mel Brooks comedy-western "Blazing Saddles," Gene Wilder played the role of Jim, also known as "The Waco Kid," a washed-up gunslinger who befriends the film's protagonist. Wilder's comedic chemistry with co-star Cleavon Little and his ability to deliver witty one-liners made his performance a standout in the film.

With Mel and Gene back together in 1974, the year looked very promising for the two with the success of Blazing Saddles.  50 years later, in 2024, it is considered a comedy classic... truly an icon of its time.

What would come next for Gene and Mel... would be the film of Gene Wilder's life.