Comic performer Gene Wilder kept his serious side off camera
![Comic performer Gene Wilder kept his serious side off camera](http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/gazettetimes.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/fe/6feacf0d-2b97-501d-8d50-ed733a3ff320/57c4acebc4ebb.image.jpg?resize=300%2C220)
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Revered as a comedic and storytelling genius by Hollywood's top entertainers, Gene Wilder was a humble man who downplayed his comic gifts, was a serious director and remained deferential to his longtime collaborator, Mel Brooks.