The beloved and wildly admired American screen and stage comic actor, screenwriter, director, author, and activist Gene Wilder (born Jerome Silberman on June 11, 1933), lost his battle with Alzheimer’s disease yesterday. He was 83 years old.
Listen as Gene Wilder talks about his battle with non-Hodgkins lymphoma here.
Here are some reactions from colleagues, fans, and celebrities after hearing about Wilder’s passing.
Forever a great comedy film duo Dad and #GeneWilder RIP pic.twitter.com/SBPtgJ9Eux
— Rain Pryor (@RainPryor) August 29, 2016
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
R.I.P Gene Wilder. As funny as they come.
— Albert Brooks (@AlbertBrooks) August 29, 2016
Absolutely terrible news about Gene Wilder, such an amazing entertainer and a true loss to the world. He will not be forgotten.
— Millie Bobby Brown (@milliebbrown) August 29, 2016
Gene Wilder.An inspiration.His performances had guts,originality&perfect timing.Original characters all with soul. pic.twitter.com/CLCo9kuWIe
— Vincent D'Onofrio (@vincentdonofrio) August 29, 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
Rest in Peace, Gene Wilder… ????
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) August 29, 2016
"We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams." – Willy Wonka
RIP Gene Wilder your performances filled my childhood with joy.— Dane Cook (@DaneCook) August 29, 2016
Gene Wilder acted at a different frequency than any other. He was always a moment away from tenderness or hysteria. What an original.
— alan tudyk (@AlanTudyk) August 29, 2016
The genius, the talent, the actor, the original, the artist, the storyteller, the creative, the iconic, the great, great, great Gene Wilder.
— Uzo Aduba (@UzoAduba) August 29, 2016
Just like Gene Wilder, many others have unfortunately been and are still fighting cancer. Here are some other famous lymphoma patients you should know about.
