Acting legend Gene Wilder is dead. The star of hit films such as “Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory,” “Young Frankentstein,” and “Blazing Saddles” was 83 years old.
Gene Wilder Dead At Age 83
According to Radar Online, Gene Wilder died earlier this month. However, his family chose to keep the information quiet for awhile. Wilder’s nephew announced the news that he had died after suffering a secret battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Wilder was best known for his collaborations with director Mel Brooks. On Monday, Brooks released a statement about the death of his dear friend. “He blessed every film we did with his magic and he blessed me with his friendship,” Brooks wrote.
Gene Wilder brought laughs to so many friends and fans, and when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease he didn’t want to make the issue known. “He simply couldn’t bear the idea of one less smile in the world,” Gene’s nephew, Jordan Walker-Pearlman told CNN.
Gene Wilder: The Death Of A Legend
In addition to his iconic role as Willy Wonka, and hilarious collaborations with Mel Brooks, Wilder also kept fans laughing by starring in many films with fellow comedian Richard Pryor, including fan favorites “Stir Crazy, “Silver Streak,” and “See No Evil, Hear No Evil.”
Gene was also married to “Saturday Night Live” star Gilda Radner for five years before she passed away from cancer in 1989.
Many family members, friends, fans, and fellow actors have taken to social media to mourn the passing of the iconic actor. “If you found happiness, real happiness, then it would be stupid to waste your life mourning. And if you asked Gilda, she’d say, don’t be a jerk. You know, go out, have fun. Wake up and smell the coffee,” Wilder previously said about life after his wife’s death.
What is your favorite Gene Wilder movie? Are you sad to hear about his death? Tweet us @OMGNewsDaily or leave a comment below.
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