Gene Wilder in a still from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971).
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Speaking of Wilder, who died Monday at the age of 83, the iconic actor had nothing at all nice to say about Burton’s film when asked about it during his final interview in 2013, telling host Robert Osborne: “I think it’s an insult.Johnny Depp, I think, is a good actor, but I don’t care for that director”. According to published reports, Wilder had kept knowledge of his condition private, but had been diagnosed three years prior to his death.
“It’s kind of like losing a parent”, he said.
Gene Wilder regularly stole the show in such comedic gems as “The Producers“, “Blazing Saddles”, “Young Frankenstein”, “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” and “Stir Crazy”. The last film – with Wilder playing a California-born descendant of the mad scientist, insisting that his name is pronounced Frahn-ken-SHTEEN – was co-written by Brooks and Wilder and earned the pair an Oscar nod for adapted screenplay.
With his unkempt hair and big, buggy eyes, Wilder was a master at playing panicked characters caught up in schemes.
“He was so quirky”, Ostrum told Variety.
Although Ostrum never acted again, he credits Wilder and Jack Albertson, who played Charlie’s grandfather, with making him comfortable on set. He never let on how he was going to read a line or convey an expression.
Ostrum also recalled Wilder’s penchant for surprise, encapsulated in two of Willy Wonka’s most memorable scenes: The first, the candy magnate’s hobbled entrance and unexpected somersault upon meeting the golden ticket winners; and second, the intense, haunting speech he delivers as they travel down the chocolate river.
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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.
