Actor Gene Wilder, famed for his roles as the eccentric titular character in 'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory' or as the 'Waco kid' in Mel brooks 'Blazing saddles' dies at the age of 83. According to Variety, his nephew said in a statement that the cause of death was complications stemming from his Alzheimer's disease.
"It is with indescribable sadness and blues, but with spiritual gratitude for the life lived, that I announce the passing of husband, parent and universal artist Gene Wilder, at his home in Stamford, Connecticut," his nephew says according to Yahoo.
Gene Wilder debut in professional acting was a role in the 1961 off-Broadway "Roots" followed by a part as the comic valet in the Broadway production of 'The Complaisant Lover.' But it was in 1964 where Wilder was co-starring with Anne Bancroft in 'Mother Courage and Her Children' in which the latter introduced him to her soon to be husband, Mel Brooks. The rest, as they say, is comedy history.
It is through this partnership that Gene Wilder's famous movie roles like his Oscar-winning portrayal of Leopold Bloom in 'The Producers,' his turn as the 'Waco Kid' in the western comedy 'Blazing Saddles, and his role as the Dr. Frederick Frankenstein in 'Young Frankenstein' came to fruition.
He dies leaving the world one of the most memorable characters in movie history through his portrayal of Willy Wonka in the film 'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.' His last major role was a TV film retelling of 'Alice in Wonderland' in the late 90's.
Not many knew of Wilder's condition towards the end, or as his nephew states, "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."
Gene Wilder dies leaving his imprint as one of the greatest comedic minds in silver screen history. He is survived by his wife Karen Boyer and nephew Jordan Walker-Pearlman.
