Tech billionaire Elon Musk has allegedly moved to foreclose actor Gene Wilder’s former home in Los Angeles after selling the house to the star’s nephew in 2020.
Wilder, the star of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Young Frankenstein and Blazing Saddles, lived in the house until 2007 with his wife Gilda Radner when he let it go for $2.725 million. Musk bought the house in 2013 for $6.75 million.
Musk sold the house to Wilder’s nephew, Jordan Walker-Pearlman, intending it to pass back into the hands of a family member. To do so, Musk lent Walker-Pearlman $6.7 million to complete the $7 million purchase.
However, following the financial impact of the 2023 Hollywood strikes, Walker-Pearlman has reportedly failed to keep up with his loan payments, leading Musk to initiate legal proceedings.
Walker-Pearlman said in a statement that his home is not imminently under threat and Musk has “never said he was foreclosing or set any sort of date. I believe some of his team filed some necessary paperwork to protect his interests and that is more than understandable. Our relationship with him is cooperative and communicated, and one of gratitude.”
“It was an opportunity that allowed me to film my autobiographical movie, The Requiem Boogie, in the house where so many childhood memories in it actually took place. It has been a very special and magical four years. Collectively and in coordination with Mr. Musk and his team, we took the steps we are taking now,” he added in his statement.
To pay Musk back for his loan, Walker-Pearlman and his wife have put the 70 square metre Bel Air property back on the market for $12.95 million.
“Step into a piece of Hollywood history with this charming residence once owned by legendary actor Gene Wilder. Nestled in the exclusive Bel Air neighbourhood, this timeless property, designed by celebrated architect Robert Byrd, offers unparalleled views of the Bel Air Country Club and exudes a distinct character that merges classic design with modern potential,” the Westside Estate Agency advertisement reads.
