He brought smiles, laughter, and merry memories to multiple generations, and although his legacy will live on, it is with great sadness that we share the news that Gene Wilder has passed away at the age of 83.
Multiple sources, including THR, report that Wilder died at his home in Stamford, Conn. on Sunday. After fighting Alzheimer's Disease over the past several years, he passed away while listening to Ella Fitzgerald's cover of "Somewhere over the Rainbow."
A heartfelt statement (via Variety) by Wilder's nephew, Jordan Walker-Pearlman, reveals that his uncle lived comfortably and happily among his loved ones in his final years:
"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.
He continued to enjoy art, music, and kissing with his leading lady of the last twenty-five years, Karen. He danced down a church aisle at a wedding as parent of the groom and ring bearer, held countless afternoon movie western marathons and delighted in the the company of beloved ones."
A comedic genius with equally impressive dramatic chops, Wilder is perhaps most well-known for playing the titular character in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, but his résumé included memorable roles in many other movies, including Bonnie and Clyde, The Producers (1967), Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, The Woman in Red, and Haunted Honeymoon, as well as an Emmy-winning turn on Will & Grace.
One of his creative collaborators and good friends, Mel Brooks, had this to say (via THR) on the passing of Wilder:
"Gene Wilder, one of the truly great talents of our time, is gone. He blessed every film we did together with his special magic. And he blessed my life with his friendship. He will be so missed."
Wilder also wrote, directed, performed on stage, and was beloved by many for his benevolence. His presence in this world instilled magic and wonder to the countless fans that he influenced, and he will be dearly missed. Our thoughts go out to Wilder's family and friends.