After graduating from high school, Radner was accepted at the University of Michigan, where she studied acting. She dropped out of the University of Michigan, and in joined the Toronto Second City Improvisational Troupe, where she worked for the first time with John Belushi. Later, John became one of her best friends and they worked together often. In 1974 they moved to New York when she was selected to perform on The National Lampoon Radio Hour and in the popular stage production.

In 1975 Gilda became famous as one of the original members of the Saturday Night Live cast. She wrote for the show and appeared on stage. One of her most famous impressions is of Barbara Walters. Gilda won an Emmy Award in 1978 for her work on the show. She had a one-woman show called Radner Live and starred in many films. She married Gene Wilder in 1980. Shortly after she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Gilda never lost her sense of humor or love of life. She died on May 20, 1989.

By Kara & Daniel, fourth grade, 2005