Peter Ostrum, who played Charlie Bucket in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, mourned his late co-star Gene Wilder in an interview with Variety.
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“You know it’s going to happen, but it’s still a shock”, Ostrum, now aged 58, told U.S. media.
“Well I’m honored obvious you know to live and to be doing something that is not only dedicated to the cancer support that Gene Wilder, who i mean has done some phenomenal things in life”, said Wright.
He also recalled, “He was so quirky”.
For most people of my generation, the name Gene Wilder probably doesn’t ring a bell. He never let on how he was going to read a line or convey an expression.
In a unusual coincidence, the Australian baking competition reality TV show, Zumbo’s Just Dessert, will be airing an episode tonight featuring a floating Willy Wonka hat replica made entirely out of chocolate.
The story Gene Wilder’s death like losing a parent says Willy Wonka child star first appeared on The Sydney Morning Herald.
The now-iconic role did eventually come to hold a special place in Wilder’s heart.
“Wilder said the director then said to him, “‘If I say no, you won’t do the picture?'” and Wilder responded, “‘I’m afraid that’s the truth'”.
Wilder was known for his comedic work in films such as “The Producers”, “Blazing Saddles” and “Young Frankenstein”. “Gene Wilder is IRREPLACEABLE and will always be an American treasure”.
Ostrum also paid tribute to actor Jack Albertson, who played Charlie’s grandfather, Joe.
Since news broke that Gene Wilder had died Sunday at the age of 83, numerous comedian’s costars and collaborators have offered their condolences and shared their favorite memories of Wilder.
“On my thirteenth birthday, in 1971, he arranged for color stills – which were very rare – to be taken and gave me a set of them as my present”, she wrote. His nephew, Jordan Walker-Pearlman, said Wilder was diagnosed with the disease three years ago, but kept the condition private so as not to disappoint fans.
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WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY on Saturday, September 3 at 11:00 a.m.at the IMAX Theater in the Indiana State Museum.
