Gene Wilder has crossed over to that world of pure imagination.
The comic actor, screenwriter and author, known for his uproarious roles in The Producers, Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein and his charming take as the eccentric chocolatier in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, died Monday at the age of 83.
While the Oscar nominee’s seminal roles change according to whom you ask, one thing was clear on social media in the wake of the entertainer’s death: His work transcended generations.
“One of the truly great talents of our time,” actor, director and producer Mel Brooks tweeted in a final salute to his The Producers, Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein costar. “He blessed every film we did with his magic (and) he blessed me with his friendship.”
“He breathed life (and) joy into everything he touched,” added 20th Century Fox. “Rest in peace, Gene Wilder.”
The remarks were part of a wave of tributes posted by celebrities, studios and public officials in remembrance of the late legend.
Farewell #GeneWilder, comic genius. Thank you for all those happy happy hours. pic.twitter.com/O6oHS9TQqX
— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) August 29, 2016
"Good Day Sir!"
RIP Gene Wilder— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) August 29, 2016
Here's to Gene Wilder, an incomparable talent whose smile & life's work made the world brighter. You will be missed but never forgotten.
— Mayor Eric Garcetti (@MayorOfLA) August 29, 2016
Man, Gene Wilder. A giant. Made comedy acting real, intense, grounded. And beyond funny. Huge influence on me and countless others.
— James Urbaniak (@JamesUrbaniak) 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
Gene Wilder touched my life, my heart and my funny bone with his unique and genius work. May he rest with peace and joy. #gene wilder
— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) August 29, 2016
There's a big hole in Comedy's heart with the loss of Gene Wilder today. RIP Willy Wonka.
— Larry Wilmore (@larrywilmore) August 29, 2016
The all-time greatest. They broke the mold after him. pic.twitter.com/j4VzpxvNvE
— Thomas Lennon (@thomaslennon) August 29, 2016
Gene Wilder as one of my earliest heroes. Blazing Saddles, Willy Wonka, are CLINICS on comic acting. Sad to hear of his passing.
— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) August 29, 2016
RIP to a true original and one of the all time greats Gene Wilder. I loved him. https://t.co/RdupcfKk7V
— billy eichner (@billyeichner) August 29, 2016
https://twitter.com/goldietaylor/status/770349209056927749?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Gene Wilder acted at a different frequency than any other. He was always a moment away from tenderness or hysteria. What an original.
— alan tudyk (@AlanTudyk) August 29, 2016
The genius, the talent, the actor, the original, the artist, the storyteller, the creative, the iconic, the great, great, great Gene Wilder.
— Uzo Aduba (@UzoAduba) August 29, 2016
Thank you for the laughs, Mr Wilder. RIP.
— Colin Mochrie (@colinmochrie) August 29, 2016
https://twitter.com/jennettemccurdy/status/770346247903256577
Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens.
by 