HOLLYWOOD PAYS TRIBUTE TO WILLY WONKA STAR GENE WILDER

The news of Hollywood legend Gene Wilder’s death Monday was greeted with shock by his legion of fans and fellow stars, who took to social media to voice their sorrow.

The star of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory had a body of work spanning five decades, including some of Mel Brook’s bestknown comedies, as well as two Oscar nominations and an Emmy Award.

Here are some of the tributes from his numerous well-known admirers. Mel Brooks “Gene Wilder – One of the truly great talents of our time. He blessed every film we did with his magic & he blessed me with his friendship,” the director said on Twitter.

Rain Pryor “Forever a great comedy film duo Dad and #GeneWilder RIP,” tweeted Rain Pryor, the daughter of Richard Pryor, who enjoyed a long comedy acting partnership with Wilder.

She explained on Facebook that the pair were never particularly close off screen, although they “saw each other’s genius and created hit films and were the best comedy film friends of all time.”

“Gene was a true grown-up and I never saw him a party. Dad was younger and we all know, he liked to party,” she added.

“The two together accepted the other. However, nothing could beat their magic on screen nor ever will.”