Gene Wilder, a two-time Oscar nominee and comedy star, has died at age 83. Wilder appeared in some of the most enduring comedies of the modern era. He had an ability to capture a frazzled persona on the brink of meltdown, bringing audiences ongoing delight. His collaborations with Mel Brooks, on films “The Producers,” “Blazing Saddles” and “Young Frankenstein,” are considered classics.
“It is with indescribable sadness and blues, but with spiritual gratitude for the life lived that I announce the passing of husband, parent and universal artist Gene Wilder, at his home in Stamford, Conn.,” Wilder’s nephew Jordan Walker-Pearlman said in a statement. “It is almost unbearable for us to contemplate our life without him.”
Wilder died Sunday night from complications from Alzheimer’s disease. “The choice to keep this private was his choice, in talking with us and making a decision as a family,” his nephew said.
It was Wilder’s memorable turn as the title character in the 1971 film “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” that spurred his decision to keep his condition private. “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,” his nephew said. “He simply couldn’t bear the idea of one less smile in the world.”
Other notable performances include roles in “Bonnie and Clyde,” “Silver Streak,” “Stir Crazy” and “The Woman in Red.” Wilder was nominated for an Oscar for best supporting actor for “The Producers” and for co-writing “Young Frankenstein” along with Brooks. He won an Emmy in 2003 for a guest role on “Will & Grace.”