Gene Wilder passed away from complications due to Alzheimer’s at the age of 83. His decision to keep his battle with Alzheimer’s private for the past three years came from his desire to keep the world pure and innocent for those who remember him as Willy Wonka.
“He simply couldn't bear the idea of one less smile in the world,” his nephew Jordan Walker-Pearlman read in a statement after Wilder passed away August 29.
He will forever be remembered for his comic genius in films like “Blazing Saddles,” “Young Frankenstein,” and of course “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.”
Wilder was able to transport us and truly find laughter and comedy in every situation.
His motto for comedy contributed in large part to his extraordinary performances in satire and children’s films alike. “Don’t try and make it funny, try and it make it real” — something Wilder did, bringing to life eccentric characters for all audiences.
Gene Wilder-One of the truly great talents of our time. He blessed every film we did with his magic & he blessed me with his friendship.
— Mel Brooks (@MelBrooks) August 29, 2016
Throughout his three films with Mel Brooks, Wilder pushed the limits of what was acceptable and “funny” at the time. In “Young Frankenstein” he urged Brooks to consider a tap dance between his character Dr. Frankenstein and the monster. It was not until Brooks saw a test audience roar with laughter that he agreed it was funny, maybe something only Wilder could create and turn into a moment of laughter.
One of his most groundbreaking roles, however, comes from playing a drunk cowboy aka the Waco Kid but mostly just Jim. “Well my name is Jim, but most people call me...Jim” as many remember him in Mel Brook’s “Blazing Saddles.” In “Blazing Saddles,” Wilder alongside “Black Bart,” played by Cleavon Little. Together they grappled with racial tensions in the satirical Western, flipping over a classic genre to expose the absurdity of racism.
Gene Wilder's total sincerity in this moment has always made it the best line delivery in any comedy ever. RIP. https://t.co/DjcYNjqapE
— Jay Bauman (@JayBauman1) August 29, 2016
Wilder influenced many off stage as well during his career. When his wife Gilda Radner died from Ovarian Cancer in 1989, Wilder set up the Gilda Radner Detection Center and Gilda's Club, a collection of cancer support groups in Los Angeles.
Gene Wilder was one of the funniest and sweetest energies ever to take a human form. If there's a heaven he has a Golden Ticket. ;^)
— Jim Carrey (@JimCarrey) August 29, 2016
Ultimately, he inspired people everywhere to use and embrace their imagination. Throughout his 50 years onscreen, Wilder created unforgettable moments and, by sharing them with the world, made it a brighter place.
Thank you for sharing your pure imagination, talent, and heart with the world. We will always hold your words true, and remember if you “want to change the world, there’s nothing to it.”
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