RIP Gene Wilder, The ‘Willy Wonka’ Star Dies At 83

Gene Wilder died today at his home in Stamford, CT due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease. The 83 year-old comedian and actor was previously diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1989.

In a statement Wilder’s nephew, Jordan Walker-Pearlman said,  “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.”

Walker-Pearlman continued, “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.”

Wilder is known and beloved for roles in Young Frankenstein, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Blazing Saddles, and The Producers.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Boyer, and nephew. Wilder was previously married to famed comedienne Gilda Radner. The two met and fell in love on the set of the film Hanky Panky. Radner passed away of ovarian cancer in 1989.