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R.I.P. Gene.

Fans Say Goodbye to the Original Willy Wonka, Actor Gene Wilder

Fans Say Goodbye to the Original Willy Wonka, Actor Gene Wilder

Sad news from Hollywood, friends: Gene Wilder, who so many of us know and love as Willy Wonka, has passed away. The star of classic movies like Young Frankenstein, Blazing Saddles and The Producers as well as Stir Crazy and See No Evil, Hear No Evil, to name just a few, he was also, of course, the quirky, candy-peddling Willy Wonka himself in 1971’s Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.


Gene was not only a memorable part of so many fans’ childhoods, but a Hollywood legend who will never be forgotten. Passing away due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease, the public outpouring of grief was fast and heartfelt.

R.I.P. Gene. Thank you for all of the laughs and memories!

What was your favorite Gene Wilder movie? Tweet us @BritandCo!

(h/t Variety; photos via Charley Gallay/Getty, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory/WarnerBros.)

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