Gene Wilder, Star Of 'Willy Wonka' And 'Young Frankenstein,' Dies

Actor and writer Gene Wilder, who brought his signature manic energy to
films such as The Producers, Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein and the
role that forever ensconced him in the collective memory of a
generation of children, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, has
died. He was 83.

Wilder died early Monday at his home in
Stamford, Conn., of complications from Alzheimer's disease, according to
a statement from his nephew Jordan Walker-Pearlman.

"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," the statement read.
"He simply couldn't bear the idea of one less smile in the world."


In
roles such as Blazing Saddles' washed-up gunslinger, and Silver
Streak's book editor, he exuded a gentleness and warmth. But he also
fully committed to every performance.

Young Frankenstein, the
1974 film in which he played the grandson of the infamous Victor
Frankenstein, begins with a scene that shows off the deftness of his
comedic gifts. As the pompous surgeon Frederick Frankenstein concludes a
lecture, Wilder seems cool and slick, but when questioned about his
grandfather's work by a student, he ramps up into a hilarious screaming
fit, allowing us to see just how fragile the young doctor's composure
truly is.

As the eccentric chocolatier of Willy Wonka & the
Chocolate Factory, Wilder tempered the on-screen hysterics for which he
was known with a slyly mysterious quality that lent the children's film a
peculiar, menacing edge. Famously, he refused to take the role unless
his character could make his entrance limping out of the factory,
planting his cane in the ground, and doing a somersault.

When
director Mel Stuart asked him why, Wilder said, "Because from that time
on, no one will know if I'm lying or telling the truth."

As a
result, it's Wilder's performance in Wonka that's perhaps his most
indelible: He shades his cheerful confectioner with a capriciousness
that serves to keep a film about a candy factory from feeling
saccharine.