Gene Wilder : 'Mr. Willy Wonka' dies aged 83
The man that made our chocolate fantasies has passed away. R.I.P Gene Wilder.
Every adult identifies with Gene Wilder who was known as Mr. Willy Wonka from the movie - Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
The actor passed away due to complications from Alzheimer's disease, said his family to BBC News.
Wilder first made his debut into the acting world on Broadway before joining the silver screen for a brief role as a kidnapped undertaker in Bonnie and Clyde in 1967.
In 1971 he became the most beloved actor of all time as Willy Wonka, in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.
Social media reacted immediately when the news broke:
Here's statement from Gene Wilder's family on his death, why illness wasn't disclosed. https://t.co/3vFqCNB4Ic pic.twitter.com/Ax2jWmPvQM
— Neal Augenstein (@AugensteinWTOP) August 29, 2016
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
Goodbye, Gene Wilder. You were one of the great screen comedians. Original and surprising every time.
— Steve Martin (@SteveMartinToGo) August 29, 2016