The comedy world is in mourning after the death of Gene Wilder at the age of 83 from complications due to Alzheimer’s disease, with many sharing their memories of the comic genius-even charming ones where the legend rejected them. He was a gentle man, but he was also a gentleman.
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“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”, Walker-Pearlman said in a statement. But while Burton’s film proved very successful both critically and commercially – it grossed over $470 million worldwide – it’s been largely overshadowed in the public imagination by Stuart’s adaptation, which 45 years later remains the definitive screen version of the tale thanks in large part to Wilder’s spirited, occasionally unhinged performance. Ostrum notes the irony here, pointing out that the film wasn’t a hit upon its release. “But that’s the role now that people across the generations remember him for”.
Wilder was a reserved figure on the Wonka set, but he was always accessible as well. Turns out, that scene was as surprising for the actors as it was for audiences.
“He was the pro and I was a rookie”, Peter, who left show business to become a veterinarian, told Variety.
“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”.
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“To have made one film and to be associated with Jack (Albertson, who played Charlie’s grandfather) and Gene, I feel like I really found the golden ticket”, he said.
