Gene Wilder, one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors, passed away at age 83 this weekend. His nephew Jordan Walker-Pearlman attributed his death, which happened late Saturday, to complications derived from his Alzheimer’s disease.
Wilder was widely recognized by his roles in classic comedic masterpieces like “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” “Young Frankenstein” and “The Producers,” among others.
His nephew explained why he hadn’t disclosed his illness. "He simply couldn't bear the idea of one less smile in the world," he stated.
Wilder “blessed every film we did together with his special magic and he blessed my life with his friendship. He will be so missed,” Mel Brooks added in a statement.
The Twitterverse Reacts
The actor’s demise was all over Twitter Inc TWTR on Monday.
"So much time and so little to do. Wait a minute. Strike that. Reverse it."
— Downtown Josh Brown (@ReformedBroker) August 29, 2016
RIP Gene pic.twitter.com/fsJp5fgMLr
Actor Stephen Fry also expressed his admiration:
Farewell #GeneWilder, comic genius. Thank you for all those happy happy hours. pic.twitter.com/O6oHS9TQqX
— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) August 29, 2016
Timothy Omundson also chipped in:
Few performers have had a greater influence on me than this man. Thank you #GeneWilder, for everything you gave us. pic.twitter.com/zb8nkHXsyX
— Timothy Omundson (@Omundson) August 29, 2016
"Hold your breath,
— Benzinga.com (@Benzinga) August 29, 2016
Make a wish,
Count to three."
Thanks for the memories! #GeneWilder pic.twitter.com/5vMDW60ugE
RIP Gene Wilder @petenajarian
— Jon Najarian (@jonnajarian) August 29, 2016
entertained us thru Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, a nearby neighbor in Ct. pic.twitter.com/Xw8NuQbvBU
Always loved this picture. pic.twitter.com/QWQTq3o8R8
— Jason Shubnell (@JasonShubnell) August 29, 2016
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