Tributes have been pouring in for Gene Wilder who had died aged 83. The Hollywood actor, best known for his starring roles in 'Willy Wonka' and 'Blazing Saddles', passed away at his home in Connecticut due to complications with Alzheimer's Disease.
His nephew, Jordan Walker-Pearlman, announced the sad news in a press statement last night.
"It is with indescribable sadness and blues, but with spiritual gratitude for the life lived that I announce the passing of husband, parent, and universal artist Gene Wilder, at his home in Stamford, Connecticut. It is almost unbearable for us to contemplate our life without him."
Walker-Pearlman continued: "The cause was complications from Alzheimer's Disease with which he co-existed for the last three years. The choice to keep this private was his choice, in talking with us and making a decision as a family.
"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 recognise those that were closest to him, nor took command of his central-gentle-life affirming core personality. It took enough, but not that.
"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."
Wilder is being remembered by fellow actors following his death.
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
Gene Wilder,always giving us the Most!! R I P!!!
— Samuel L. Jackson (@SamuelLJackson) August 29, 2016
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
Goodbye, Gene Wilder. You were one of the great screen comedians. Original and surprising every time.
— Steve Martin (@SteveMartinToGo) August 29, 2016
Farewell #GeneWilder, comic genius. Thank you for all those happy happy hours. pic.twitter.com/O6oHS9TQqX
— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) August 29, 2016
The great genius of comedy Gene Wilder passed today. RIP dear one. You are free to grace the heavens with your light that lifted us all
— Goldie Hawn (@goldiehawn) August 30, 2016
It was a true honor to talk to Gene Wilder. He was an unusually brilliant and sweet comic artist. https://t.co/YGcqUt8vUL
— Conan O'Brien (@ConanOBrien) August 30, 2016
Gene Wilder. Best ever at what he did. #RIP
— Ben Stiller (@RedHourBen) August 30, 2016
Brilliant. Amazingly funny. The only reason I eat chocolate. #genewilder will be missed. pic.twitter.com/PL8S9EkLhh
— Adam West (@therealadamwest) August 30, 2016
