VIDEO: Gene Wilder, Star of ‘Willy Wonka’ and ‘Blazing Saddles’ Dead At Age 83

By  //  August 29, 2016

ABOVE VIDEO: Gene Wilder, star of “Willy Wonka” and several classic Mel Brooks comedies, is dead at the age of 83.

(FOX NEWS) – Gene Wilder, star of “Willy Wonka” and several classic Mel Brooks comedies, is dead at the age of 83.

Wilder’s nephew Jordan Walker-Pearlman said the comedy legend died late Sunday in Stamford, Conn. from complications from Alzheimer’s disease, a condition the actor kept private for three years so as not to disappoint fans.

“He simply couldn’t bear the idea of one less smile in the world,” his nephew said.

Mel Brooks tweeted on Monday that his longtime friend and collaborator was “One of the truly great talents of our time. He blessed every film we did with his magic & he blessed me with his friendship.”

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE OF THIS STORY ON FOX NEWS

Star-Gene-Wilder-Willy-Wonka-580-2