Willy Wonka star Gene Wilder dies, aged 83

Gene Wilder dies

Tributes have been pouring in for acting legend Gene Wilder, who died on Sunday, aged 83.

Gene Wilder, the star of such comedy classics as Young Frankenstein and Blazing Saddles, has died. He was 83.

Wilder’s nephew said the actor and writer died late on Sunday in Stamford, Connecticut, from complications from Alzheimer’s disease.

Gene Wilder (Yui Mok/PA)

Gene Wilder (Yui Mok/PA)

The frizzy-haired actor was a master at playing panicked characters caught up in schemes that only a madman such as Mel Brooks could devise, whether reviving a monster in Young Frankenstein or bilking Broadway in The Producers.

But he also knew how to keep it cool as the boozy sheriff in Blazing Saddles and as the charming candy man in the children’s favourite Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory.

Director Mel Brooks – who worked with Wilder on many projects – led the tributes on Twitter.

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Stephen Fry, Ricky Gervais and Dara O Briain were also among those writing heartfelt messages.

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Many Hollywood stars also tweeted after hearing the sad news.

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Victoria Wilson
Feature Writer for What’s on TV, TV Times, TV & Satellite Week and WhatToWatch.com

With over 20 years’ experience writing about TV and film, Vicky currently writes features for What’s on TV, TV Times, TV & Satellite Week magazines plus news and watching guides for WhatToWatch.com, a job which involves chatting to a whole host of famous faces. Our Vicky LOVES light entertainment, with Strictly Come Dancing, Britain’s Got Talent and The Voice UK among her fave shows. Basically, if it’s got a shiny floor, she’s all over it! When she’s not watching TV, you might find Vicky in therapy… retail therapy that is!