Actor Gene Wilder has died at the age of 83. His death was confirmed by his family, with his nephew releasing the following statement:
We understand for all the emotional and physical challenges this situation presented we have been among the lucky ones — this illness-pirate, unlike in so many cases, never stole his ability to recognize those that were closest to him, nor took command of his central-gentle-life affirming core personality. The decision to wait until this time to disclose his condition wasn’t vanity, but more so that the countless young children that would smile or call out to him “there’s Willy Wonka,” would not have to be then exposed to an adult referencing illness or trouble and causing delight to travel to worry, disappointment or confusion. He simply couldn’t bear the idea of one less smile in the world.
The actor was probably most known for his role as Willy Wonka but also starred in other classic films such as The Producers, Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein.
The actor was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1989 but didn’t let that slow him down. He will surely be missed.
Hold your breath. Make a wish. Count to three.
Come with me and you’ll be
In a world of pure imagination
Take a look and you’ll see
Into your imagination
We’ll begin with a spin
Traveling in the world
Of my creation
What we’ll see
Will defy explanation
If you want to view paradise
Simply look around and view it
Anything you want to, do it
Wanna change the world?
There’s nothing to it
There is no life I know
To compare with
Pure imagination
Living there, you’ll be free
If you truly wish to be
If you want to view paradise
Simply look around and view it
Anything you want to, do it
Wanna change the world?
There’s nothing to it
There is no life I know
To compare with
Pure imagination
Living there, you’ll be free
If you truly wish to be.
R.I.P.
What film comes to mind when you think of the actor?
Source: Variety