5 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Gene Wilder and ‘Blazing Saddles’

Mel Brooks recruited Gene Wilder for the Hedley Lamarr character. Gene didn't feel right about the role so it went to Harvey Korman. Wilder then told Brooks that he wanted the part of the Waco Kid.

Brooks' idea for the Waco Kid was someone older, like Broadway and Vaudeville's Dan Dailey. Dailey was reportedly offered the role but turned it down due to declining health.

Gig Young was originally cast for the role of the Waco Kid, according to imdb.

Production began with Gig Young as the Waco Kid. On the first day of shooting, the scene where the drunk Waco Kid hangs from a bunk asking if Bart is black, Young revealed that he really was indeed drunk (he had had an alcohol problem for years) and proceeded to undergo a physical collapse on set. Brooks shut down production for a day and Gene Wilder flew cross country to take over the role. Young later sued Warner Bros. for breach of contract.

Gene had been working on an idea and writing for 'Young Frankenstein' before he was cast in 'Blazing Saddles.' He used his time on the set to bend Brooks' ear about the project and they finished it together.

Cleavon Little, who played Sheriff Bart, was a Broadway actor. As acting on stage is much different than acting in front of a camera, Gene Wilder was happy to share valuable advice and the two became friends.