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Willy Wonka star Gene Wilder dead at 83

GENE Wilder, the comedic icon and star of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, has tragically died at the age of 83. Tributes are pouring in.

Charlotte WillisCharlotte Willis
@lottiewillis
2 min read
August 30, 2016 - 10:21AM
RIP: Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka and Peter Ostrum as Charlie Bucket.
RIP: Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka and Peter Ostrum as Charlie Bucket.

GENE Wilder has died at the age of 83.

The family of the beloved actor confirmed the news in a statement, saying he died Monday at his home in Stamford, Connecticut.

His nephew Jordan Walker-Pearlman said he died of complications from Alzheimer’s disease.

Wilder, most famous for his role in the 1971 film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, had been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1999.

In an emotional statement to Variety, Mr Walker-Pearlman revealed that his uncle was diagnosed with the disease three years ago, but kept the condition private so as not to disappoint fans.

“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 recognise those that were closest to him, nor took command of his central-gentle-life affirming core personality,” the full statement reads.

“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 company of beloved ones.”

Willy Wonka star Gene Wilder has died of complications from Alzheimer’s disease. He was 83.
Willy Wonka star Gene Wilder has died of complications from Alzheimer’s disease. He was 83.

The two-time Oscar-nominee also starred in classic films such as The Producers, Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein.

He frequently collaborated with writer and director Mel Brooks as well as starring in four films with stand-up comedian Richard Pryor.

Wilder was married to American comedian and actress Gilda Radner from 1984 until she tragically died in 1989 after losing her battle with ovarian cancer. He married again in 1991 to Karen Boyer.

Willy Wonka, based on Roald Dahl’s 1964 book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, was not considered a box office success at the time but eventually became one of the quintessential children’s films.

Actors Fred Astaire and Joel Grey were recommended for the title role, but director Mel Stuart wanted Wilder. The film celebrated its 45th anniversary in June.

Wilder was born Jerome Silberman in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He caught his first big break in an off-Broadway production of Roots, according to his IMDB page.

Tributes have started pouring in for the legendary actor.

Gene Wilder: Life in Pictures
American actor Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka in 'Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory', directed by Mel Stuart, 1971. (Photo by Silver Screen Collection/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
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Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/willy-wonka-star-gene-wilder-dead-at-83/news-story/0a442e27c88c6e85e3ab74d7345879b0