It's with a heavy heart that I write of the passing of comedy icon Gene Wilder. The actor passed away this morning at his home in Stamford, Connecticut due to complications from Alzheimers. He was 83 years old.
Born Jerome Silberman on June 11, 1933, the actor was a true talent who appealed to fans of every shape and size. Comedy fans adored his work in Mel Brooks classics like BLAZING SADDLES and THE PRODUCERS, children and families everywhere fell in love with his iconic performance in the title role of WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, and horror fans especially adored his other Brooks collaboration YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN.
In fact, Mel Brooks was one of the first to share his thoughts on the heartbreaking news with this sweet comment:
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
Wilder was a true talent, capable of great comedic heights, darker shades of sardonic cynicism, and some of the most terrifying scenes ever committed to celluloid (the riverboat scene from WILLY WONKA still gives me nightmares). Our hearts go out to his friends, family, and fans.
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