Autopsy: The Last Hours Of... Season 2020 Episode 14 Gilda Radner
- July 26, 2020
- 44 min
The showAutopsy: The Last Hours Of... returns with a brand new episode titled "Gilda Radner". The show delves into the final hours of the legendary comedian and actress, who was best known for her work on Saturday Night Live during the 1970s. Radner's talent and quick wit made her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, but her life was cut tragically short by ovarian cancer.
The episode begins by exploring Radner's early life and her journey to becoming a performer. Radner always had a passion for comedy and began performing in local plays and theater productions as a teenager. She eventually made her way to Toronto where she joined the famed comedy troupe Second City and quickly became a standout member. From there, she was discovered by Lorne Michaels, the creator of Saturday Night Live, and was offered a spot in the show's original cast.
Radner's time on Saturday Night Live was a defining moment in her career and cemented her status as one of the most talented comedians of her generation. Her characters, including Roseanne Roseannadanna and Emily Litella, became instantly recognizable to audiences and helped to shape the show's comedic voice.
Despite her success, Radner's life was not without its struggles. The episode explores her relationship with her first husband, guitarist and songwriter G.E. Smith, and the impact that his infidelity had on her. The two eventually divorced, and Radner went on to marry actor Gene Wilder.
It was during this period of her life that Radner began to experience symptoms related to her ovarian cancer. She initially dismissed these symptoms as being related to stress or her menstrual cycle, but they continued to worsen. The episode details her struggle to get a proper diagnosis and the toll that her illness took on her both physically and emotionally.
Ultimately, Radner passed away in 1989 at the age of 42. Her death was a devastating loss for her family, friends, and fans, but her legacy as a groundbreaking comedian and fearless performer lives on to this day.
Through interviews with medical experts, former colleagues, and friends, "Gilda Radner" offers a unique look into the final hours of this iconic figure. The episode seeks to shed light on the physical and emotional toll that ovarian cancer can have on the human body and serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection and prevention.
Overall, "Gilda Radner" is a moving tribute to a true trailblazer in the world of comedy and a reminder of the impact that she had on countless lives.