R.I.P. Gene Wilder

[Kittamaru]

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/30/movies/gene-wilder-dead.html

Gene Wilder, who established himself as one of America’s foremost comic actors with his delightfully neurotic performances in three films directed by Mel Brooks; his eccentric star turn in the family classic “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”; and his winning chemistry with Richard Pryor in the box-office smash “Stir Crazy,” died early Monday morning at his home in Stamford, Conn. He was 83.

A nephew, the filmmaker Jordan Walker-Pearlman, confirmed his death in a statement, saying the cause was complications of Alzheimer’s disease.

Mr. Wilder’s rule for comedy was simple: Don’t try to make it funny; try to make it real. “I’m an actor, not a clown,” he said more than once.

The world... is a little darker without his light to shine the way...

 

[paddoboy]

Yes.....
I loved him in "Young Frankenstein:

 

[Dr_Toad]

The world... is a little darker without his light to shine the way...

But much brighter for his having been here. This is how we grow.

 

[Fraggle Rocker]

Very sad, but he was 83 after all! We should all live so long and contribute so much!

 

[geordief]

Was there a touch of the Harpo Marx about him ?

 

[Dr_Toad]

Was there a touch of the Harpo Marx about him ?

There was. And it's so fine to watch it in action. Now I have to go watch Young Frankenstein again...

 

[deepslate]

My childhood was a lot more fun because of him, would never forget him at Willy Wonka. RIP

 

[James R]

A sad loss. I liked the sincerity he projected in his films.