Mary Joan Schutz Today: Where Is Gene Wilder’s Ex-Wife Now?

When you hear the name Gene Wilder, you probably think of Willy Wonka, Young Frankenstein, or The Producers. He was one of Hollywood’s most loved actors — full of charm, humor, and heart. But behind the screen, Gene had a personal life filled with love, loss, and quiet chapters most people don’t know about.

One of those chapters includes Mary Joan Schutz, his second wife. She wasn’t a celebrity. She wasn’t in the spotlight. But she played an important role in Gene Wilder’s life for many years. Many people still ask — Who is Mary Joan Schutz? and Where is she now in 2025?

In this article, we’ll explore everything about her. From how she met Gene, to her daughter Katharine, their divorce, and what her life looks like today. Let’s start at the beginning.

Mary Joan Schutz Quick Bio

Who Is Mary Joan Schutz?

Mary Joan Schutz is best known as the ex-wife of actor and comedian Gene Wilder. They were married in the late 1960s, and although their marriage didn’t last forever, it’s still one of the most talked-about parts of Gene’s life.

She was never a public figure. In fact, most of what we know about her comes from her time with Gene. She didn’t chase fame, and after their divorce, she quietly disappeared from the spotlight. But her story is still important — especially to fans who want to understand more about Gene’s life behind the scenes.

When and Where Was She Born?

Mary Joan Schutz was born in 1938 in Pennsylvania, United States. That means she’s now 87 years old as of 2025. Not much is known about her childhood, but we do know her parents were named Nancy Schutz and Robert L. Schutz.

She was raised in a time before social media and the internet, so there aren’t many public records or pictures of her online. Still, we can tell she lived a fairly normal, private life — far away from fame — until she met Gene.

Her Early Life and Family

Mary’s early years were quiet. She didn’t grow up in Hollywood or on a film set. She was just a regular American woman living a normal life. Before meeting Gene, she had already been married once and had a daughter named Katharine.

We don’t know what job she had or what she studied. But from what we can tell, she focused on her family and stayed out of the public eye. Even during her marriage to Gene, she never tried to grab attention or appear in the media.

That choice to stay private continued even after their divorce, which makes her story even more mysterious and interesting today.

How Mary Joan Schutz Met Gene Wilder

So, how did this quiet woman end up marrying a Hollywood star?

Mary met Gene Wilder through his sister. They were introduced during the mid-1960s, after Gene’s first marriage had already ended. The timing was just right — both were single and open to a new chapter.

Gene fell for Mary quickly. She was smart, kind, and already a mother. Her daughter Katharine even started calling Gene “Dad” not long after they met. This made their bond even stronger. They weren’t just building a romantic relationship — they were building a family.

Their Marriage

Gene Wilder and Mary Joan Schutz got married on October 27, 1967. At the time, Gene was 34 years old, and Mary was 29.

That same year, Gene made a very special decision — he adopted Katharine, Mary’s daughter from her first marriage. She had already started calling him Dad, and Gene wanted to make it official. It was a loving gesture that showed how much he cared for both Mary and her child.

Their marriage lasted for about seven years. It wasn’t always easy. As Gene’s fame grew, life became more public and stressful. Eventually, the relationship changed, and sadly, they decided to part ways.

Meet Their Daughter, Katharine Wilder

Katharine Wilder is an important part of this story. She may not be Gene’s biological daughter, but she was his only adopted child, and for a time, they had a strong bond.

Katharine was just a little girl when Gene came into her life. She loved him enough to call him “Dad,” and he loved her enough to adopt her. They seemed like a happy family during the early years of their marriage.

Later in life, Katharine became an actress, just like her famous stepfather. She has acted in shows and movies such as Call the Midwife, Two Heads Creek, and Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.

But things didn’t stay perfect. After the divorce, their relationship sadly fell apart, which we’ll explore more in the second half of this article.

Why Did Mary Joan Schutz and Gene Wilder Divorce?

After seven years of marriage, things began to fall apart between Mary Joan Schutz and Gene Wilder. In 1974, the couple officially divorced. But why did it happen?

Some sources say that Mary suspected Gene was having an affair with actress Madeline Kahn, his co-star in Young Frankenstein. While this was never fully confirmed, it created a deep crack in their marriage. The growing distance, combined with Gene’s busy Hollywood life, made things even harder.

Divorce is never easy, especially when a child is involved. Sadly, the separation didn’t just end the marriage — it also changed Gene’s relationship with Katharine forever.

What Happened Between Gene and Katharine?

Katharine had once called Gene “Dad.” He had adopted her out of love. But after the divorce, something changed.

Reports say Katharine became estranged from Gene. She stopped talking to him and completely cut ties. No one knows all the details, but it’s believed she blamed him for the breakup with her mother.

This was painful for Gene. In interviews, he often spoke about losing his daughter. In 2005, he even wrote a book called Kiss Me Like a Stranger: My Search for Love and Art. He hoped Katharine would read it and understand his side of the story.

Sadly, according to sources, they never reconciled. Gene Wilder passed away in 2016 without reconnecting with the daughter he once loved like his own.

Where Is Mary Joan Schutz Today in 2025?

So, where is Mary Joan Schutz today?

She’s now 87 years old and living a very quiet life — reportedly in Georgia, USA. Unlike many people connected to celebrities, she never used her past to stay in the public eye. She chose peace over publicity.

Mary has never done interviews. She has no social media accounts. And she has stayed completely away from Hollywood since her divorce. Even in 2025, she remains a mystery to many.

But maybe that’s what she wanted — a life away from cameras, drama, and headlines.

Did Mary Joan Schutz Ever Remarry?

This is another question fans often ask.

There’s no public record of Mary remarrying after Gene. If she did, she kept it private. It seems she preferred a life focused on family and healing rather than starting over in the spotlight.

She didn’t return to Hollywood, and we don’t know of any new relationships. Her daughter Katharine is now grown and working in the film industry, but Mary has remained behind the scenes — always private, always quiet.

Gene Wilder’s Later Years and Legacy

After divorcing Mary Joan Schutz, Gene stayed single for almost 10 years. Then, in 1984, he married actress Gilda Radner. Their love story was beautiful but short. Sadly, Gilda died from cancer in 1989.

Later, Gene found love again and married Karen Boyer in 1991. They stayed together until his death in 2016.

Gene continued to act, write, and inspire people around the world. He starred in hit films and even wrote books like The Woman Who Wouldn’t and Even Dogs Learn How to Swim. He passed away from Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 83, leaving behind a powerful legacy of laughter and love.

Mary Joan Schutz’s Net Worth and Life Today

Now let’s talk about money — something many readers wonder about.

There’s no confirmed news about Mary Joan Schutz’s net worth. She hasn’t worked in public roles or business, so it’s hard to guess. It’s also unknown if she received a settlement after her divorce from Gene.

Her daughter Katharine Wilder, on the other hand, has built a career in acting. She is said to have a net worth of around $1.5 million as of 2025.

Gene Wilder himself was worth about $20 million at the time of his death. But whether any of that went to Mary or Katharine remains private.

Why Is Mary Joan Schutz Still So Mysterious?

Even in the age of the internet, Mary Joan Schutz remains a mystery. She didn’t chase fame. She didn’t write a book or do a tell-all interview. She simply stepped away and chose a life out of the spotlight.

That’s rare these days. Most people connected to celebrities are active online, sharing their stories. But not Mary.

And maybe that’s why people are still curious. Her quiet life, her deep connection to Gene Wilder, and her total privacy make her one of the most interesting — and most mysterious — people from Gene’s past.

Final Thoughts

Mary Joan Schutz may not be a name that shows up in Hollywood news today, but her story is still part of history. She was the woman Gene Wilder once loved. She helped raise a daughter he adored. And even after their marriage ended, her story quietly continued.

In 2025, she lives in peace, away from cameras, questions, and fame. But for those who remember Gene Wilder and love his legacy, Mary Joan Schutz will always be remembered as an important chapter in his life.

Sometimes, the quietest stories are the ones that stay with us the longest.

(FAQs)

Did Gene Wilder’s only daughter cut him off forever?

Yes. After Gene and Mary Joan Schutz divorced, Katharine Wilder completely cut ties with him, and they never reconnected before his death.

Is Gene Wilder’s ex-wife still alive in 2025?

Surprisingly, yes. Mary Joan Schutz is still alive and reportedly living a private life in Georgia at the age of 87.

Did Gene Wilder ever have a biological child?

No. Katharine Wilder, Mary’s daughter, was the only child he ever had — and she was adopted.

Why did Gene Wilder and Mary Joan Schutz divorce?

The reason was never officially confirmed, but it’s widely believed that Mary suspected Gene of having an affair with his co-star Madeline Kahn.

Did Mary Joan Schutz ever speak publicly after the divorce?

No. She has never given an interview, written a book, or made a public appearance — not even after Gene’s death.

People also read: Ray Kroc’s Ex-Wife – Jane Dobbins Green