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Actor Gene Wilder & “Willy Wonka” Star Dies At The Age Of 83

Gene Wilder singing "Pure Imagination" in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

The legendary actor, Gene Wilder, who was best known for starring in the classic "Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory," as well as many Mel Brooks films has passed away at the age of 83.

According to Wilder's nephew, the actor died this month in Connecticut from complications connected to Alzheimer's disease. In 1999, the star was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma.

Wilder was a two-time Oscar nominee who began his movie career in 1967's "Bonnie and Clyde." He was known to be a favorite of writer/director Mel Brooks.

Other films included "Blazing Saddles" and "Young Frankenstein." According to Biography.com, in his later years, Wilder became a serious novelist, writing a memoir and several novels. He was married to fellow actor/comedian Gilda Radner, until her death in 1989.

Gene Wilder

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