The world has been hit with the sad death of yet another celebrity great. Gene Wilder died at the age of eighty three, surrounded by family and loved ones. Although he might no longer be with us, Gene's work shall live on in the iconic roles he bought to life such as Willy Wonka, Dr Frankenstein, Leo Bloom and Dave Lyons.
It's often said when someone you love becomes a memory, their memory becomes a treasure. I think we can all safely say we will treasure the memories Wilder created for us.
Celebrities who have been touched by Wilder and his work have taken to social media to express how this loss has affected them and also to uphold the memory of such a wonderful comedic actor. Let's take a look now at the fitting tributes and the devastating loss the entertainment world has suffered.
Mel Brooks
Mel was a lifelong friend of Gene. He also directed him in three of his best movies; Blazing Saddles, The Producers and Young Frankenstein. The legendary director took to Twitter to say:
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
Incredibly touching to read this from Mel. Wilder and Brooks's work together brought up some classic comedy cinema moments that shall live on forever.
Stephen Fry
Farewell #GeneWilder, comic genius. Thank you for all those happy happy hours. pic.twitter.com/O6oHS9TQqX
Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) August 29, 2016
Fry clearly took inspiration from the legendary Wilder's bold comedy career.
Sam Clafin
"Come with me, and you'll be, in a world of PURE imagination..."
Somewhere, my inner child is waiting for me. #GeneWilder
Sam Claflin (@samclaflin) August 30, 2016
Saying exactly what we're all feeling. There was always a sense of childlike wonder surrounding Wilder. Listen along to the song below if you can bear all the feels:
[[jwplayer:J4EuKdSZ]]
Adam West
Brilliant. Amazingly funny. The only reason I eat chocolate. #genewilder will be missed. pic.twitter.com/PL8S9EkLhh
Adam West (@therealadamwest) August 30, 2016
When Batman's missing you, you know you were a very important person.
Sean Hayes, Debra Messing and Eric McCormack
So sad that the inspiringly talented #GeneWilder has left us. He was one of the kindest souls I've ever met. pic.twitter.com/JoEUa2IS0s
Sean Hayes (@SeanHayes) August 30, 2016
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 #GeneWilder
Debra Messing (@DebraMessing) August 29, 2016
Wilder starred in Will and Grace as Mr Stein (a take on Dr. Frankenstein) for two episodes, watch the video below to see the comedy master at work:
[[jwplayer:e0xUHW35]]
A genius I stole from constantly, and one I was humbled & thrilled to work with. RIP #GeneWilder pic.twitter.com/hCFyET1jji
Eric McCormack (@EricMcCormack) August 29, 2016
Leonard Maltin
Gene and I in 1994. This is such a wonderful memory for me. I'll cherish it always... #GeneWilder pic.twitter.com/ravuoBOZnr
Leonard Maltin (@leonardmaltin) August 30, 2016
Carl Reiner
#GeneWilder Au revoir to a gifted actor whose films I suggest you re-visit if you want to be thoroughly entertained. pic.twitter.com/FgcO4OVkYg
carl reiner (@carlreiner) August 29, 2016
Esteemed actor and longtime friend sent his message of love and thanks into the world following the death of Gene. It really is good advice, go and see all of his wonderful movies.
Rain Pryor
Forever a great comedy film duo Dad and #GeneWilder RIP pic.twitter.com/SBPtgJ9Eux
Rain Pryor (@RainPryor) August 29, 2016
Rain is the daughter of the late great comedy actor, Richard Pryor. Richard and Gene had a lifelong career together and their work brought us some of the best comedy films ever. Watch the scene below to see the two at work in See No Evil, Hear No Evil:
[[jwplayer:DHQcHZaM]]
Anderson Cooper
.@andersoncooper pays tribute Gene Wilder: "He was truly extraordinary" https://t.co/cOQB9h6z7y https://t.co/7XAxfZ44j1
Anderson Cooper 360 (@AC360) August 30, 2016
A fitting tribute to a wonderful man, loving husband and devoted father.
Ricky Gervais
"Good Day Sir!"
RIP Gene Wilder
Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) August 29, 2016
Short, sweet and succinct. Funny man Ricky tips his hat to a man who brought laughter to so many people.
Conan O' Brien
It was a true honor to talk to Gene Wilder. He was an unusually brilliant and sweet comic artist. https://t.co/YGcqUt8vUL
Conan O'Brien (@ConanOBrien) August 30, 2016
Check out the interview above, but be warned your heart shall explode with joy. Who knew we have Gene to thank for this hilarious scene?
[[jwplayer:mugbLpZa]]
See Also:
Celebrating Gene Wilder And His Greatest Films
Enter A World Of Pure Imagination With Gene Wilder's 11 Best Movie Quotes
The Tragic Timeline Of 2016's Most Heartbreaking Celebrity Deaths
Neil Patrick Harris
Gene Wilder passed away. Wow what a lovely career. Wonka, Dr. Frankenstein, Jim the Waco Kid... Sending strength to his wife of 25 yrs. #RIP
Neil Patrick Harris (@ActuallyNPH) August 29, 2016
Just like Neil, we send all our love and thoughts to his wife, family and friends.
Russell Crowe
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.
Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) August 29, 2016
Even the biggest stars have those they look up too. Russell sharing his earliest memories of Wilder's movies is super sweet.
Jeffrey Tambor
Gene Wilder--
There are no words--
Artist
Inspirer
and
Hilarious
just
Brilliantly brilliant
Jeffrey Tambor (@jeffreytambor) August 29, 2016
Elijah Wood
We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of the dreams. farewell Gene Wilder, you were a treasure
Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) August 29, 2016
Jim Carey
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
Amen to that, Jim.
James Corden
[[yt:fYuDq940pLY]]
James shared a wonderfully touching memory he has of meeting Gene.
It's truly touching to see so many celebrities come forward to pay homage to the memory of such a Hollywood legend. Without a doubt Gene's passing will be felt by millions. We thank you for the laughs, the legendary cinematic moments and for many of us, we thank you for our childhoods. "Good Day, Sir"
Which Gene Wilder movie will you remember the most?