I think a lot of people lost a part of the childhood today. As confirmed by close family members and several media outlets, the amazingly talented actor Gene Wilder passed away today, August 29, at age 83. He had been suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease in recent years, though he made a rare appearance in an episode of children’s “Yo Gaba Gaba!” just last year. He was surrounded by loved ones at his home in Stamford, Connecticut when he passed due to complications stemming from another disease, non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
A 2x Oscar Nominee, a 2x Golden Globe Nominee and Primetime Emmy Award Winner, Gene Wilder didn’t have the longest resume in Hollywood, though his credits are instantly recognizable. Most film buffs will know him for starring in The Producers (1967), Young Frankenstein (1974), Silver Streak (1976) and Murder in a Small Town (1999). Along with Young Frankenstein, Wilder starred in a number of films that crossed genre boarders, such as scifi-fantasy, horror-comedy, and more. His titles in these genres include Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (1971), The Scarecrow (1972), Rhinoceros (1974), Haunted Honeymoon (1986) and Alice in Wonderland (1999).
He even had his fair share of writing and directing jobs, with The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes’ Smarter Brother (1975), The World’s Greatest (1977), The Woman in Red (1984) and The Lady in Question (1999).
A mix of dirty humor, drama, mystery, suspense and romance, Gene Wilder was one of those rare talents that could stand out from the crowd in any picture he appeared in. He was one of the few members of Hollywood who still had “it,” the classic way of acting that really connected with an audience and spurred a fandom. All of us here at HorrorSociety.com send our condolences to his family, friends and fans. What a card!
R.I.P. Gene Wilder
June 11, 1933 – August 29, 2016
