Actor Gene Wilder Dead At 83 | HuffPost Entertainment

Gene Wilder, the star of classic comedies like Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory and several of Mel Brooks films, has died, his family told The Associated Press on Monday. He was 83.

His nephew Jordan Walker-Pearlman said Wilder died late Sunday of complications from Alzheimers disease at his home in Stamford, Connecticut.

A statement from Wilders nephew said that the actor hadnt disclosed his diagnosis to avoid upsetting his fans.

The decision to wait until this time to disclose his condition wasnt vanity, but more so that the countless young children that would smile or call out to him theres 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, Walker-Perlmans statement read . He simply couldnt bear the idea of one less smile in the world.

Wilder broke into professional acting on the stage , appearing in an off-Broadway production of Roots in 1961, according to Variety. A part in a 1963 production of Brechts play Mother Courage introduced him to Brooks, whose future wife Anne Bancroft was starring in the show, Variety said.

Brooks praised Wilder on Twitter following news of the actors death Monday.

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.

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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

Wilders TV acting career also began in the 1960s, but he became better known for prominent roles in Brooks screwball comedies like The Producers, Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein.

He punctuated his performances with a combination of nervous energy, bug-eyed facial expressions and a gentle demeanor.