Gene Wilder, comedic actor of Willy Wonka and Mel Brooks films, dies at 83

Gene Wilder, born Jerome Silberman, died at age 83 in Stamford, Connecticut, from complications of Alzheimer's disease. The actor was known for iconic roles in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, The Producers, Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, The Woman in Red, and Silent Movie. His career was shaped by collaborations with director Mel Brooks, whom he met in 1963 through his then-girlfriend Anne Bancroft while working on the play Mother Courage and Her Children. Wilder also worked extensively with director Arthur Hiller, who paired him with Richard Pryor in films such as Silver Streak (1976) and See No Evil, Hear No Evil (1989). Brooks tweeted, "He blessed every film we made together with his magic and blessed me with his friendship." Wilder's death came 10 days after the passing of Arthur Hiller, known for Love Story and Tobruk.