https://twitter.com/BecketAdams/status/770342473281507329
What a tremendous loss:
BREAKING: Gene Wilder, 'Willy Wonka' star and comedic icon, dies at 83 https://t.co/oEFHxzLqr0 pic.twitter.com/T3blmuGlVW
— Variety (@Variety) August 29, 2016
More from Variety:
Gene Wilder, who regularly stole the show in such comedic gems as “The Producers,” “Blazing Saddles,” “Young Frankenstein,” “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” and “Stir Crazy,” died Monday at his home in Stamford, Conn. His nephew Jordan Walker-Pearlman said he died of complications from Alzheimer’s disease. He was 83.
His nephew said in a statement, “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.
Here's the full statement from Gene Wilder's family regarding his death: pic.twitter.com/oGv1TsiCX5
— Austin Hunt (@AustinHunt) August 29, 2016
Heartbreaking.
Gene Wilder will always have a special place in my heart. ♥ pic.twitter.com/zGim9k1uAa
— Katrina Jørgensen (@Veribatim) August 29, 2016
It goes without saying that fans are in mourning.
Farewell #GeneWilder, comic genius. Thank you for all those happy happy hours. pic.twitter.com/O6oHS9TQqX
— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) August 29, 2016
I didn't cry all weekend. Gene Wilder did it…
— Brodigan Strong Style (@brodigan) August 29, 2016
https://twitter.com/zeldawilliams/status/770344537445191680
"Good Day Sir!"
RIP Gene Wilder— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) August 29, 2016
R.I.P Gene Wilder. As funny as they come.
— Albert Brooks (@AlbertBrooks) August 29, 2016
It was, and always will be, one of the best looks in cinema history. #GeneWilder pic.twitter.com/pOYw1d5tDJ
— Rae Earl (@RaeEarl) August 29, 2016
https://twitter.com/JayCaruso/status/770345045992046593
https://twitter.com/winningatmylife/status/770345281451855872
Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka was my family's offbeat holiday movie tradition. He's Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas to me.
— John Hayward (@Doc_0) August 29, 2016
There was no one as mischievously hilarious as Gene Wilder. Dammit all. pic.twitter.com/fu2wnAdSPv
— nascarcasm (@nascarcasm) August 29, 2016
https://twitter.com/MangyLover/status/770347136038866944
If you haven't, watch Young Frankenstein. Start there. So many, many others. Too many to name right now. RIP Gene Wilder
— Adam Horowitz (@AdamHorowitzLA) August 29, 2016
it's nice to think of Gene Wilder now back with his beloved Gilda Radner and his fellow genius Richard Pryor. RIP
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) August 29, 2016
https://twitter.com/McDebida/status/770343198346481664
Damn. Gene Wilder was such a boss. He will be missed.
— Cody Crouch (@iTwe4kz) August 29, 2016
Filled the world with joy and love. Thanks for being a dreamer of dreams, Mr. Gene Wilder. pic.twitter.com/D9Zh5u74yB
— Kid President (@iamkidpresident) August 29, 2016
RIP Gene Wilder, screen legend and Iowa Hawkeye. Screw you, 2016.
— David Burge (@iowahawkblog) August 29, 2016
The genius, the talent, the actor, the original, the artist, the storyteller, the creative, the iconic, the great, great, great Gene Wilder.
— Uzo Aduba (@UzoAduba) August 29, 2016
"We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams" So sad to hear Gene Wilder died. RIP pic.twitter.com/UdqDpVN6dO
— Lahav Harkov is off this week (@LahavHarkov) August 29, 2016
One of many gems. Too many gems for Twitter. RIP Gene Wilder. One of the greatest https://t.co/4X5uUvuLt9
— Major Garrett (@MajorCBS) August 29, 2016
Gene Wilder: a regular kid from Milwaukee done good.
RIP
— Brian Faughnan (@BrianFaughnan) August 29, 2016
https://twitter.com/liars_never_win/status/770342853767602176
RIP.
Editor’s note: This post has been updated with additional tweets as well as the full statement from Wilder’s family.
***
Update:
Wilder’s friend and longtime collaborator Mel Brooks shared this message on Twitter:
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
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