Comedy film actor Gene Wilder, star of Willy Wonka, dies aged 83
WILLY WONKA star Gene Wilder has died aged 83.
The Hollywood actor, known for roles in comedy classics such as Young Frankenstein and Blazing Saddles, has been hailed a “comic genius” and one of the “great talents” of his generation.
Wilder’s nephew said he died late on Sunday at his home in Stamford, Connecticut, having suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, the Associated Press reported.
Jordan Walker-Pearlman said Wilder was diagnosed with the disease three years ago, but kept the condition private so as not to disappoint fans.
Mr Walker-Pearlman said: “He simply couldn’t bear the idea of one less smile in the world.”
Wilder’s friend Mel Brooks, who directed The Producers, the classic comedy in which Wilder starred, said on Twitter: “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.”
Comedian and presenter Dara O Briain tweeted: “Gene Wilder has died. Sad news, but such a life well lived.
“For me, Young Frankenstein just pips Wonka, but so many wonderful performances.
“Expecting to hear people were fans of Blazing Saddles, Producers and Stir Crazy, but amazing
amazing number going for See No Evil, Hear No Evil.”
Stephen Fry tweeted: “Farewell #GeneWilder, comic genius. Thank you for all those happy happy hours.”
One of Wilder’s best known films is Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, in which he plays Roald Dahl’s enchanting candy man. Actor Zach Braff star of hit comedy Scrubs, posted a short clip from Willy Wonka and wrote: “RIP to the legendary Gene Wilder. 2016 has been painful so far.”
The actor was a master at playing panicked characters caught up in schemes that only Mel Brooks could devise, including reviving a monster in Young Frankenstein. But he also knew how to keep it cool as the boozy deputy in Blazing Saddles and as the charming candy man in the children’s favourite Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory.
The two-time Oscar-nominated actor was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma in 1989.
The star first made his mark on Broadway before making the move to the silver screen for a brief role as a kidnapped undertaker in Bonnie and Clyde in 1967.
He was then cast by Mel Brooks as Leo Bloom, an accountant in the 1968 comedy, The Producers.
His other major roles included the Waco Kid in the 1974 classic Blazing Saddles and Doctor Ross in Woody Allen’s 1972 film, Everything You Wanted to Know AboutSex But Were Afraid to Ask.