American actor Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka in "Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory," directed by Mel Stuart, 1971. (Photo : Getty Images/Silver Screen Collection/Hulton Archive)
Comic star Gene Wilder, who was best known for his iconic roles in "The Producers," "Blazing Saddles," "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" and "Stir Crazy," has died on Aug. 29, Monday, at his home in Stamford, Connecticut. He was 83.
The veteran actor's demise was confirmed by his nephew Jordan Walker-Pearlman. The actor died of complications from Alzheimer's disease.
"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," Variety quoted Walker-Pearlman as saying.
The actor's nephew also informed that Wilder passed away listening to Ella Fitzgerald's "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". She was known to be one of his favourite artists.
Born and brought up in Wisconsin, Wilder became interested in acting at the age of 11 when he saw his sister performing onstage. In 1963, he landed his first leading role in "Mother Courage And Her Children," when he met Brooks.
Wilder also worked in several small-screen shows like "The Sound of Hunting," "The Interrogators," "Windfall" and in the 1966 TV production of "Death of a Salesman" with Lee J. Cobb. In 1963, he landed his first leading role in "Mother Courage And Her Children," when he met Mel Brooks.
In 1968, the duo went on to make "The Producers" which eventually became a cult comedy classic and even earned a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for the late actor. Later, the late actor bagged the world-famous role of Willy Wonka in "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory."
"My quiet exterior used to be a mask for hysteria," Telegraph quoted the late actor as saying. "After seven years of analysis, it just became a habit."
Wilder also directed and adapted the 80s romantic comedy "The Woman in Red," which got an Oscar for its hit Stevie Wonder tune, "I Just Called To Say I Love You." Watch the number below:
