Gene Wilder, beloved actor and writer passed away at 83 due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease.
Gene Wilder, two-time Oscar nominee had starring roles in The Producers (1968), Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971), Blazing Saddles (1974) and Young Frankenstein (1974). In addition to working often with Mel Brooks, Wilder teamed up with comedian Richard Pryor, who also wrote for Blazing Saddles. The duo starred in the comedies Silver Streak (1976), Stir Crazy (1980), See No Evil, Hear No Evil (1989) and Another You (1991).
Although he was married four times during his lifetime, his short marriage to Saturday Night Live star Gilda Radner was perhaps best remembered by the public. Before Radner succumbed ovarian cancer on May 20, 1989, at age 42, the couple made three films together- Hanky Panky (1982), The Woman in Red (1984) and Haunted Honeymoon (1986). After her passing, Wilder worked hard to promote cancer awareness.
Wilder’s nephew, Jordan Walker-Pearlman, told the AP that his uncle was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s three years ago, but kept the condition private so as not to disappoint fans. “He simply couldn’t bear the idea of one less smile in the world,” Walker-Pearlman said.
