Gene Wilder, the star of “Willy Wonka” and Mel Brooks comedies, is dead at 83, The Associated Press reported.
Advertisement
Wilder was well known for his role in Willy Wonka, Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein, among others.
According to a report given by his nephew in Variety, it is believed the actor turned writer passed away due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease.
In later life, Wilder took to writing, including the novels My French Whore (2007) and Something to Remember You By (2013).
Wilder was married to Saturday Night Live’s Gilda Radner, who died of ovarian cancer in 1989.
Advertisement
Wilder, who was born Jerome Silberman, attended the University of Iowa from 1951-55, graduating with a degree in communication and theater arts. As a child, he entertained his sick mother, hoping laughter would prevent her death, Entertainment Weekly said.
