e Entertainment –
Remembering The
Comedic Genius Of Gene Wilder

Actor Gene Wilder is being hailed today as one of the greatest comedic actors of all time, after news of his death on Monday rocked Hollywood.

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Wilder is best remembered for his marriage to the late Gilda Radner of the original Saturday Night Live players. He is also best known for his multiple collaborations with director Mel Brooks, first starring as Leo Bloom in “The Producers,” then in “Young Frankenstein,” then later portraying a boozing gunslinger in “Blazing Saddles.” However, it was his starring role in “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” that put him on the map.

His additional credits boasts several films with Richard Pryor, including “Stir Crazy” and “Silver Streak,” as well as solo vehicles like “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes’ Smarter Brother” and “The World’s Greatest Lover,” which he also directed.

On Monday, Brooks called Gene Wilder “one of the truly great talents of our time,” adding “He blessed every film we did with his magic and he blessed me with his friendship.”

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Film critic Leonard Maltin was among the first to pay tribute to the actor.

“A man who lit up the world with his joy and genius. I can’t say what it meant to act with him and get to know his heart,” Maltin said.

Additionally, actor Debra Messing, who starred for many years on “Will & Grace,” offered Wilder a touching tribute.

“Bless you for all these years of laughter and love, such warmth and humanity,” Messing said.

Wilder died from complications to Alzheimer’s disease, an illness he struggled with for several years and refused to ever publicly disclose.  He was 83.

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OK WASSUP! covers e Entertainment news, including
the death of comedy actor Gene Wilder.