Rita Moreno is having a great season, with an acclaimed documentary and an appearance in Steven Spielberg’s remake of West Side Story, which she also executive produced. She celebrated her 90th birthday while making countless appearances on news and talk shows promoting these projects. In sharp contrast, though, the passing of fellow Shark Girl Yvonne Wilder on November 24th seems to have gone relatively unnoticed.
She was still known as Yvonne Othon when she played Consuelo in the 1961 film. Born in the Bronx in 1937 with Cuban/Puerto Rican ancestry, she attended New York’s High School of Performing Arts and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London before getting cast in the West End production of West Side Story alongside George Chikiris. According to her website, she would go on to play Anita for over 1,500 performances on Broadway and stages around the world.
Throughout the 1960’s Wilder was partnered professionally with Jack Colvin (1934-2004). As Colvin & Wilder, they were one of the most successful comedy duos of the decade, with appearances across the U.S. on stage and television, including The Dean Martin Show, The Ed Sullivan Show and The Tonight Show, culminating in their farewell appearance at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
Over 30 years, Wilder racked up dozens of television appearances on shows including The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Courtship of Eddie’s Father, Room 222, The Partridge Family, and 227. She was Archie’s girlfriend on Archie Bunker’s Place and co-starred in the sitcom Operation Petticoat with John Astin, Adam West and 19-year-old Jamie Lee Curtis.
Wilder is perhaps best remembered for her role as Aurora De La Hoya, housekeeper for Glenda & Ira Parks (Goldie Hawn & Charles Grodin) in Neil Simon’s Seems Like Old Times (1980).
One of Wilder’s final roles before retiring was as the grandmother of the Olsen twins on Full House. She then focused on her work as a watercolor artist and sculptor. Her work was shown at the Santa Monica Art Institute and can be viewed on her website.
Adios, Ms. Wilder. Thank you for all your fine work. And for the chicken pepperoni.
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Brian Ferrari's Blog 
I am Yvonne’s son and your tribute is light and touching. It’s been a treat to read through for myself and our whole family.
Thank you, Brian.
-Chris
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Chris –
Thank you for writing. My condolences on the loss of your mom. She was one of a kind.
Best,
Brian
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Chris — My name is Jim Anderson and I currently live in Dallas, TX. I am watching “West Side Story” now on TV and whenever I see that movie, I recall the time I worked with your wonder mom, Yvonne. In the early 1980’s, Yvonne toured in the comedy play “Wally’s Cafe” with Tim Conway and Arlene Golonka. The show toured the Kenley Players summer stock circuit in Akron, Columbus and Dayton, Ohio, and Flint, Michigan. I was the Assistant Producer of the Flint theatre, working with Frank Kenley (nephew of the famed summer stock producer John Kenley). Yvonne was a delight to work with! Tim Conway was also delightful and included me on a few group dinners with Yvonne and the cast during the weeklong engagement at Flint’s Whiting Auditorium. I remember your mom telling me stories about her early days in show business (I was a college kid, about 20 at the time!). Yvonne was so cool and fun to hang around. I remember telling her that I had just bought a new VW Rabbit and she was so happy for me! I asked her what car she drove and she told me “…. oh, I drive a Mercedes!” I was impressed!!! I am sorry for your loss a few years ago and hope you get this email. Your mom was lovely and I am grateful that I briefly crossed paths with her many years ago. I didn’t pursue the entertainment industry — I have had a long career in commercial real estate in Chicago and Dallas — but have fond memories of my years in the entertainment management industry. All the best to you and your family.
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Thanks for sharing this Jim. I hope Chris sees it!
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