Tributes are being paid to Gene Wilder, who's died at the age of 83.
The actor, best known for Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Blazing Saddles and The Producers, passed away in Connecticut in the US yesterday.
In a statement, his family say he died due to complications from Alzheimer's. They said he didn't want to disclose his condition because he simply couldn't bear the idea of one less smile in the world.
Kim Buckley has this report:
Wilder's being remembered by fellow comics and actors following his death:
Gene Wilder,always giving us the Most!! R I P!!!
— Samuel L. Jackson (@SamuelLJackson) August 29, 2016
Gene Wilder was one of the funniest and sweetest energies ever to take a human form. If there's a heaven he has a Golden Ticket. ;^)
— Jim Carrey (@JimCarrey) August 29, 2016
Goodbye, Gene Wilder. You were one of the great screen comedians. Original and surprising every time.
— Steve Martin (@SteveMartinToGo) August 29, 2016
Farewell #GeneWilder, comic genius. Thank you for all those happy happy hours. pic.twitter.com/O6oHS9TQqX
— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) August 29, 2016
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
The great genius of comedy Gene Wilder passed today. RIP dear one. You are free to grace the heavens with your light that lifted us all
— Goldie Hawn (@goldiehawn) August 30, 2016
It was a true honor to talk to Gene Wilder. He was an unusually brilliant and sweet comic artist. https://t.co/YGcqUt8vUL
— Conan O'Brien (@ConanOBrien) August 30, 2016
Gene Wilder. Best ever at what he did. #RIP
— Ben Stiller (@RedHourBen) August 30, 2016
Brilliant. Amazingly funny. The only reason I eat chocolate. #genewilder will be missed. pic.twitter.com/PL8S9EkLhh
— Adam West (@therealadamwest) August 30, 2016
