Sad news ILOSM family, comedic actor, Gene Wilder, best known for his roles in “Stir Crazy,” “Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory,” “See No Evil Hear No Evil,” “The Producers,” “Blazing Saddles,” “The Woman In Red,” “Another You,” and more, sadly passed away today (8-29-2016) from complications due to Alzheimer’s disease. He died peacefully at his home in Stamford, Conn..

Wilder’s nephew, Jordan Walker-Pearlman , released a statement today on behalf of their family:

His nephew said in a statement, “We understand for all the emotional and physical challenges this situation presented we have been among the lucky ones — this illness-pirate, unlike in so many cases, never stole his ability to recognize those that were closest to him, nor took command of his central-gentle-life affirming core personality. The decision to wait until this time to disclose his condition wasn’t vanity, but more so that the countless young children that would smile or call out to him “there’s Willy Wonka,” would not have to be then exposed to an adult referencing illness or trouble and causing delight to travel to worry, disappointment or confusion. He simply couldn’t bear the idea of one less smile in the world.

He continued to enjoy art, music, and kissing with his leading lady of the last twenty-five years, Karen. He danced down a church aisle at a wedding as parent of the groom and ring bearer, held countless afternoon movie western marathons and delighted in the the company of beloved ones.”

Wilder was also diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1989.

Our condolences go out to his wife and his loved ones in their time of grief. Thank you for a job well done, sleep easy Gene Wilder.

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ILOSM family, reminisce with us to these hilarious moments of Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor in “Stir Crazy”…just another reminder of the joy they both brought through their work…

The post R.I.P.: Gene Wilder, Passes Away At 83, Family Issues Touching Statement appeared first on I Love Old School Music.