Actor Gene Wilder has died at the age of 83, his family has told the Associated Press.
The actor is perhaps best known for his role as Willy Wonka in the 1971 classic Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, but Wilder is also well-known for roles in Young Frankenstein and Mel Brooks’ Blazing Saddles.
BREAKING: Gene Wilder, star of ‘Willy Wonka’ and Mel Brooks comedies, is dead at 83, his family says.
— AP Entertainment (@APEntertainment) August 29, 2016
The family said in a statement, “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 Samford Connecticut. It is almost unbearable for us to contemplate our life without him.”
According to The Hollywood Reporter, “Wilder’s nephew said Monday that the actor died this month in Stamford, Conn. from complications from Alzheimer’s disease. In 1999, Wilder was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma and treated with radiation and stem cell transplants.”
Said Mel Brooks:
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
His final on-screen role was in a 2003 episode of NBC’s Will & Grace, during which he played Mr. Stein (in two episodes). Last year, he voiced a role for the children’s series Yo Gabba Gabba:
Wilder is survived by his daughter Katharine Wilder and his wife Karen Boyer, who he married in 1991.