Beloved actor Gene Wilder, perhaps best known for his performance as Willy Wonka in the classic children’s film Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory, but also for his hilarious work in 70s comedies like Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein, has passed away at his home in Stamford, Connecticut. He was 83 years old. Wilder’s nephew issued a thoughtful and poignant statement about his uncle’s death revealing that he suffered from Alzheimer’s disease and also explaining why they chose not to disclose it to the public until after his passing. Wilder had been married for 25 years to his fourth wife, Karen Boyer. His third wife, comedian Gilda Radner, passed away from ovarian cancer in 1989, with Wilder carrying on her legacy through Gilda’s Club, which raises awareness and support for cancer sufferers with branches through the US. Wilder was diagnosed with non-Hodkin’s lymphoma in 1989. Here’s part of the announcement 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.

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.”

He had been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1989.

The comic actor, who was twice Oscar nominated, for his role in “The Producers” and for co-penning “Young Frankenstein” with Mel Brooks, usually portrayed a neurotic who veered between total hysteria and dewy-eyed tenderness. “My quiet exterior used to be a mask for hysteria,” he told Time magazine in 1970. “After seven years of analysis, it just became a habit.”

Habit or not, he got a great deal of mileage out of his persona in the 1970s for directors like Mel Brooks and Woody Allen, leading to a few less successful stints behind the camera, the best of which was “The Woman in Red,” co-starring then-wife Gilda Radner. Wilder was devastated by Radner’s death from ovarian cancer in 1989 and worked only intermittently after that. He tried his hand briefly at a sitcom in 1994, “Something Wilder,” and won an Emmy in 2003 for a guest role on “Will & Grace.”

[From Variety]

I’m getting teary and I have goosebumps thinking of this wonderful actor and all the joy he brought us. We have lost way too many greats this year. Wilder’s nephew’s statement makes it clear that he was very much loved and surrounded by people who adored and cared for him. Our hearts go out to his friends and family at this difficult time. RIP Gene Wilder, thank you for all the entertainment and laughs.

Scenes from 1980’s Stir Crazy, with the late great Richard Pryor. If you’re feeling very sad, just watch this.

Blazing Saddles, 1974, also a good antidote to the sads.

Young Frankenstein, 1974.

Charlie and The Chocolate Factory:

With Mel Brooks in 2007:

Photos credit: WENN, Getty, Pacific Coast News