Gene Wilder, 'Willy Wonka' Star and Comedy Legend, Dies at 83

Gene Wilder, the acting legend known for his work in Mel Brooks comedy classics and for playing the titular role in "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," has died. He was 83.

Wilder got his start on the stage, but quickly became a go-to in the comedy genre, thanks to his friendship with Brooks. Brooks handpicked Wilder to star in 1968's "The Producers," which netted the young actor an Oscar nomination and led to a fruitful collaboration that spanned classics like "Blazing Saddles" and "Young Frankenstein." The actor also starred in several films with comedy legend Richard Pryor, including "Silver Streak," "Stir Crazy," "See No Evil, Hear No Evil," and "Another You," the latter two of which Wilder both wrote and directed.

But the actor will probably best be remembered for his iconic role in 1971's "Willy Wonka," the musical based on the Roald Dahl book "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." Wilder beat out accomplished song and dance men like Fred Astaire and Joel Grey for the coveted part.

Other film work included 1967's "Bonnie and Clyde" (his film debut), a role in Woody Allen's "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex," and "The Frisco Kid." He also wrote, directed, and starred in "The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Brother" and "The World's Greatest Lover."

On television, Wilder won an Emmy for playing Eric McCormack's boss on "Will & Grace." In 1994, he starred in a short-lived sitcom called "Something Wilder," and he also headlined two TV movies for A&E in 1999.

Wilder was previously wed to "Saturday Night Live" alum Gilda Radner, before the comedian died on ovarian cancer in 1989. He's survived by his fourth wife, Karen Webb, who he married in 1991.

[via: The Hollywood Reporter]

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