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Jeremy Allen White has emerged as a significant star in recent years, initially gaining recognition for his portrayal of Phillip “Lip” Gallagher, the eldest son of the chaotic Gallagher family, in the long-standing family drama series Shameless (2011-2021).
However, it was his leading role as Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto in The Bear (2022-present) that catapulted him into household fame. Despite this, there has been speculation about his potential familial connection to another acting luminary.
Jeremy Allen White has been likened to the beloved comedic actor Gene Wilder (1933-2016), renowned for his roles in films like Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971) and Blazing Saddles (1974). The comparison is partly due to their similar facial features and distinctive dirty blond curls, which have prompted discussions about their possible relation.
With the release of the trailer for Wonka (2023) and mixed reactions to Timothée Chalamet’s casting as the iconic character, some have suggested Jeremy Allen White as a preferable alternative to inherit Wilder’s legacy. However, these suggestions came after the film had already entered production, leaving Jeremy perhaps wishing for such support earlier from social media users.
Recently, rumors have circulated online suggesting a biological relationship between the two actors, fueled by their striking resemblance. However, Jeremy Allen White addressed these rumors in a December 2023 interview with Buzzfeed, during which he denied any familial connection to Gene Wilder.
During the interview, Jeremy, along with co-stars Harris Dickinson and Zac Efron, addressed the persistent rumor. He clarified that despite the ongoing speculation, he is not related to Gene Wilder. Despite his previous attempts to dispel the rumor, it continues to persist.
The discussion surrounding Jeremy’s resemblance to Gene Wilder appears to be merely coincidental, with no known familial ties between the two actors.