Incredibly sad news to report on this Monday. Gene Wilder, most well-known for his role as Willy Wonka in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, as well as hilarious roles in Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein just to name a few, has passed away at 83. He passed away on Monday afternoon at his home in Stamford, Connecticut, apparently from complications of Alzheimer’s disease.
Below, the statement released by Wilder’s nephew, Jordan Walker-Pearlman:
“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.”
A massive loss to the world of entertainment as well as to his family and friends, but it’s pretty safe to say that Wilder lived a very full life. Rest in peace, Gene.
Someone we can respect from Hollywood. Not one of these useless soulless whores of present time.
Rest in peace.