Billy Wilder

Billy Wilder (June 22, 1906–March 27, 2002) had a career as a screenwriter, film director and producer that spanned more than 50 years and more than 60 films. He is regarded as one of the most brilliant film-makers during Hollywood's golden age and many of his films achieved both critical and public acclaim.

Life and work

He was born Samuel Wilder in Sucha, Austria-Hungary (now Poland). His parents, Max Wilder and Eugene Dittler, were Jewish.

Related Topics:
Sucha - Austria-Hungary - Poland - Jewish

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He started work in late 1920s as screenwriter in Germany, but allegedly he was also a taxi dancer, then left for France, then the United States after the rise of Adolf Hitler. His mother, grandmother, and stepfather all died at Auschwitz.

Related Topics:
Germany - France - United States - Adolf Hitler - Auschwitz

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Sharing an apartment with Peter Lorre, he broke into writing in Hollywood with classics like Ninotchka. He was a noted collector of modern art.

Related Topics:
Peter Lorre - Hollywood - Ninotchka

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Billy Wilder died in 2002 at the age of 95 after battling health problems, including cancer, in Los Angeles, California, and was interred in the Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery in Westwood, Los Angeles, California.

Related Topics:
Los Angeles, California - Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery - Westwood, Los Angeles, California

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