'Willy Wonka' & 'Blazing Saddles' Star Gene Wilder Dies Aged 83

Beloved US actor Gene Wilder has passed away at his home in Stamford, Connecticut at the age of 83. 

According to Variety, the comedy icon, best known for his work in classics such as Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory, Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein, died from complications of Alzheimer's disease.

"We understand for all the emotional and physical challenges this situation presented we have been among the lucky ones — this illness-pirate, unlike in so many cases, never stole his ability to recognize those that were closest to him, nor took command of his central-gentle-life affirming core personality," Wilder's nephew, Jordan Walker-Pearlman, said in a statement. 

"The decision to wait until this time to disclose his condition wasn’t vanity, but more so that the countless young children that would smile or call out to him 'there’s Willy Wonka,' would not have to be then exposed to an adult referencing illness or trouble and causing delight to travel to worry, disappointment or confusion.

"He simply couldn’t bear the idea of one less smile in the world.

"He continued to enjoy art, music, and kissing with his leading lady of the last twenty-five years, Karen. He danced down a church aisle at a wedding as parent of the groom and ring bearer, held countless afternoon movie western marathons and delighted in the the company of beloved ones."

Wilder was nominated for Oscar awards twice in his career. The first coming in 1968 for Best Supporting Actor in The Producers and then again in 1974 for the Young Frankenstein screenplay which he co-wrote with fellow comic and frequent collaborator, Mel Brooks. 

Wilder last appeared in a few episodes of noughties sitcom Will & Grace, for which he also won an Emmy for. 

In recent hours, friends, fans and comedians from around the world have spoken out on Wilder's tragic passing. 

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.

— Mel Brooks (@MelBrooks) August 29, 2016

Goodbye, Gene Wilder. You were one of the great screen comedians. Original and surprising every time.

— Steve Martin (@SteveMartinToGo) August 29, 2016

Gene Wilder passed away. Wow what a lovely career. Wonka, Dr. Frankenstein, Jim the Waco Kid... Sending strength to his wife of 25 yrs. #RIP

— Neil Patrick Harris (@ActuallyNPH) August 29, 2016

Hilarious & heartbreaking in the very same moment. #RIP beautiful Gene Wilder there was & will never be anyone like you

— Sarah Silverman (@SarahKSilverman) August 29, 2016

 

RIP dear, wonderful Gene Wilder. What an influence you were in my life. Thank you for all that joy.

A photo posted by Julia Louis-Dreyfus (@officialjld) on Aug 29, 2016 at 2:22pm PDT

Gene Wilder was a giant of comedy. His legacy of films is inspiring. A true genius..

— Billy Crystal (@BillyCrystal) August 29, 2016

Pure joy and wonder x RIP Gene Wilder x pic.twitter.com/CqtO3B0LcC

— noel fielding (@noelfielding11) August 29, 2016

Gene Wilder--
There are no words--
Artist
Inspirer
and
Hilarious
just
Brilliantly brilliant

— Jeffrey Tambor (@jeffreytambor) August 29, 2016

 

Willy Wonka was a great movie but blazing saddles is the best thing he ever did. He will be missed.

A photo posted by Chris Rock (@chrisrock) on Aug 29, 2016 at 3:26pm PDT

This is how I found out. Big death. Heavy moment. pic.twitter.com/oDmPsQ9pRA

— Amy Schumer (@amyschumer) August 29, 2016

Gene Wilder was one of the funniest and sweetest energies ever to take a human form. If there's a heaven he has a Golden Ticket. ;^)

— Jim Carrey (@JimCarrey) August 29, 2016