From Stir Crazy, Blazing Saddles and Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory: Remembering Comedy Legend Gene Wilder
Following the tragic news yesterday that two-time Academy Award winner Gene Wilder had passed away due to complications of a private battle with Alzheimer's disease.
His nephew Jordan Walker-Pearlman made the announcement saying "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 Stamford, Connecticut. It is almost unbearable for us to contemplate our life without him.
The cause was complications from Alzheimer's Disease with which he co-existed for the last three years. The choice to keep this private was his choice, in talking with us and making a decision as a family.
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. It took enough, but not that.
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."
To honour the legend, whose work with Richard Pryor and Mel Brooks defined an entire generation of Hollywood comedy through the late 60s and the 70s, The Fan Carpet have put together a tribute to remember the comedy icon...
Stir Crazy (1981)
When Skip & Harry decided they've had enough of New York they decide to head to the blue sky and sun of California. Taking a job as promoters in a bank they get falsely accused of bank robbery and are sent to a tough jail where they form unlikely friendships and they find themselves in the prison rodeo.
Wilder played Skip Donahue opposite Richard Pryor as Harry Monroe.
See No Evil, Hear No Evil (1989)
Dave is deaf, and Wally is blind. They witness a murder, but it was Dave who was looking at her, and Wally who was listening.
Wilder played Dave Lyons opposite Richard Pryor’s Wally Karue.
Silver Streak (1977)
On a long-distance train trip, a man finds romance but also finds himself in danger of being killed, or at least pushed off the train.
Wilder played George.
Blazing Saddles (1974)
To ruin a western town, a corrupt political boss appoints a black sheriff, who promptly becomes his most formidable adversary.
Wilder played Jim.
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)
Charlie receives a golden ticket to a factory, his sweet tooth wants going into the lushing candy, it turns out there's an adventure in everything.
Fondly remembered as Willy Wonka in the Roald Dahl classic.
The Producers (1967)
Producers Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom make money by producing a sure-fire flop.
Wilder played Leo Bloom
Gene Wilder is survived by his fourth wife Karen Boyer and filmmaker nephew Jordan Walker-Pearlman.
R.I.P GENE WILDER • 1933 - 2016 • GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN
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