Gene Wilder has passed away at the age of 83 from complications of Alzheimer's disease. Wilder was an actor, screenwriter, novelist and director, and gave many cherished performances throughout his career. Mel Brooks said in a statement to People, "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."
His nephew Jordan Walker-Pearlman released the following statement to Variety:
“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. 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.”
Wilder was married to Gilda Radner until her death in 1989. He is survived by wife Karen Boyer, who he marred in 1991, as well as by daughter Katharine Wilder. Read his full obituary at the New York Times.
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