Soon as the news of American comic actor
Gene Wilder's demise went viral, the social networking sites started flooding with condolences and remembrance notes for the 83-year-old comedy legend, who died due to complications from Alzheimer's on Monday.
Weilder's longtime collaborator-cum-friend Mel Brooks, in a tweet wrote, he was 'blessed' to work with the acting doyen.
"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," he wrote.
Actor
Eric McCormack called him a 'genius' and wrote , "A genius I stole from constantly, and one I was humbled & thrilled to work with. RIP #GeneWilder."
Jim Carrey tweeted, "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."
Debra Messing wrote, "A man who
lit
up the world with his joy and genius. I can't say what it meant to act with him and get to know his heart. RIP."
Roger Moore expressed condolence saying, "RIP Gene Wilder. Only happy memories of making Sunday Lovers together."
John Cena wrote, "RIP #GeneWilder absolute master. Brilliant in
so
many ways. His life's work is timeless and everlasting.'
Russell Crow
, in a tweet said "I saw Blazing Saddles 7 times at the cinema with my school friends . George St. Cows outside. Gene Wilder you were a genius. Rest in Peace."
George Takei wrote, "He was always able to make us smile, and that is no small feat. Rest with the stars, Gene Wilder."
Kevin Smith said, "GENE WILDER, the face of childhood joy for many a generation, has passed. Farewell, sweet genius. Gilda awaits you."
Albert Brooks wrote, "R.I.P Gene Wilder. As funny as they come."
Billy Crystal rweeted, "Gene Wilder was a giant of comedy. His legacy of films is inspiring. A true genius.."
Orlando Jones said, "RIP Gene Wilder. You will be missed. Say hello to Gilda and Richard for us. #EverLastingGobstopper."
Albert Brooks wrote, "R.I.P Gene Wilder. As funny as they come."
Wilder was best known for his role as
Willy Wonka
in the 1971 big screen version of 'Willy Wonka and the
Chocolate Factory
'.
He also played memorable roles in Mel Brooks' films 'The Producers', 'Blazing Saddles' and 'Young Frankenstein.'
The actor, who made his acting debut in 1960's, was twice nominated for Oscar for his role in 'The Producers'and for co-penning 'Young Frankenstein.'
Wilder also worked in television in 1962's 'The Sound of Hunting', 'The Interrogators', 'Windfall' and in the 1966 TV production of 'Death of a Salesman' with Lee J. Cobb.
In total he has worked in over 30 big screen and television productions.
According to a Variety report, describing his final moments, his nephew Jordan Walker-Pearlman, in a statement gave fans the details of his demise and wrote: "He was eighty-three and passed holding our hands with the same tenderness and love he exhibited as long as I can remember. As our hands clutched and he performed one last breath the music speaker, which was set to random, began to blare out one of his favorites:
Ella
Fitzgerald. There is a picture of he and Ella meeting at a London Bistro some years ago that are among each or cherished possessions. She was singing "Somewhere Over The Rainbow," as he was taken away."
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