The world is a little less funny today after iconic comedic actor Gene Wilder passed away at age 83….
Gene Wilder — a comedic legend who starred in ‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory’ — died at the age of 83 on Monday according to the actor’s family.
According to his family, Wilder died from complications due to Alzheimer’s disease.
A two-time Academy Award nominee, Wilder often worked with Mel Brooks on some of his biggest films including the 1968 classic ‘The Producers’ as well as ‘Young Frankenstein’ and ‘Blazing Saddles’.
Wilder would eventually star in several films alongside Richard Pryor including ‘Silver Streak’ and ‘Stir Crazy’.
Wilder only worked sporadically after the death of his wife Gilda Radner in 1989 although he did end up making several appearance on television including his own series ‘Something Wilder’ in 1994 as well as an Emmy award appearance on the show ‘Will and Grace’ in 2002-2003.
Of course Wilder will always be remembered for his role as Willy Wonka in the cult classic ‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory’ that was first released in 1971.
Wilder is survived by his wife Karen Boyer, whom he married in 1991, along with their nephew.
