8/29/2016 12:23 PM PDT BY TMZ STAFF
Breaking News
Gene Wilder — star of classics like “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,” “Blazing Saddles,” “Young Frankenstein” and more — has died.
The actor passed away Monday from complications from Alzeimer’s disease, according to his agent. The rep says Wilder kept his condition secret because he didn’t want to force children — who still called out “there’s Willy Wonka” — to ask questions about the illness.
Wilder was 83.
Wilder was married to Gilda Radner from 1984 until she passed away in 1989. He married again in 1991 to Karen Boyer.
Wilder is survived by a daughter, Katharine — whom he adopted in 1967 when he married her mother, Mary Joan Schutz.
Gene teamed up with Richard Pryor to make several classic comedies in the ’70s and ’80s, including “Stir Crazy” — but his turn as the Jim, Waco Kid is legendary …
Gene Wilder-One of the truly great talents of our time. He blessed every film we did with his magic & he blessed me with his friendship.
— Mel Brooks (@MelBrooks) August 29, 2016
