Gene Wilder, 83, star of the classic films Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory and Young Frankenstein has passed Monday morning. According to Wilder’s nephew, Jordan Walker-Pearlman, the beloved actor died due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease. His nephew explained to Variety why his condition was kept a secret in the following statement:
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’s portrayal of Willy Wonka captured the imaginations of many generations. The iconic performance earned him a nod at the 1972 Golden Globe. The character was later revisited in Tim Burton’s remake of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory starring Johnny Depp. In the interview below you can see how Wilder feels about the remake.
