'Willy Wonka' Star Gene Wilder Passes Away at 83
Legendary comedian and star of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory Gene Wilder has passed away yesterday, aged 83, in his home in Stamford, Connecticut.
Reports indicate that the icon died from complications resulting from his Alzheimer's disease. Wilder started his career on the stage and on TV before making his way up with the revered comedy The Producers.
Many will remember him most fondly for his starring role in Willy Wonka, to which he brought an energy and personality that was infectious.
Wilder's nephew gave a statement which was reported by Variety, which reads: “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. 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.”
Source: Collider
