Renowned actor Peter Ostrum, who portrayed the character of Charlie opposite the famous character Willy Wonka played by Gene Wilder, mourns the death of his late friend and co-star, stating that his demise is nearly like “losing a parent”. I went backstage and Gene was in a Murray Schisgal play called ‘Luv.’ He was wonderful in it.
Advertisement
Before news broke of Wilder’s death on Monday, Brooks was scheduled to sit down with Jimmy Fallon on Tuesday to promote a new book he wrote with Judd Apatow about the making of Young Frankenstein.
“I took the script and I said to Gene, ‘We got the money”.
The group covered “Pure Imagination”, a song that Wilder sang when he played Willy Wonka in the 70s film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
The Young Frankenstein director said that he knew Wilder was ill, but even though he expected it, it was still tough to come to terms with.
“I think it’s an insult”, he said of the reboot.
Wilder’s response: “Oh yeah, you’re going to get the money”. AMC theaters will show the two films to pay tribute to their late star, Gene Wilder.
Wilder’s friends, co-workers and admirers were quick to pay tribute to the actor after the news of his death.
“He blessed every film we did with his magic and he blessed me with his friendship”, he said. Each has attained cult status among film aficionados and Internet meme creators, so it seems appropriate that these two films specifically would be made available to the public.
After Radner died of ovarian cancer in 1989, Wilder spent much of his time after promoting cancer research and opened a support facility for cancer patients. In 1991, he testified before Congress about the need for increased testing for cancer.
Advertisement
He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Karen Wilder. Brooks said that he replied, “Look in the mirror”.
