Gene Wilder, ‘Willy Wonka’ star, dies

The US actor was 83

Gene Wilder, loved by many for his titular role in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, has died as the age of 83.

Wilder’s family confirmed that he passed away at his home in Stamford, Connecticut earlier today as a result of complications from Alzheimer’s Disease.

He had been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1989.

The comic actor starred in classic films such as Young Frankenstein, The Producers and Blazing Saddles.

Wilder frequently collaborated with writer and director Mel Brooks and stand-up comedian Richard Pryor.

He was twice Oscar nominated, for his role in The Producers and co-writing Young Frankenstein.

He is survived by his fourth wife Karen Boyer, whom he married in 1991 and his nephew.