The legendary actor, Gene Wilder, passed away yesterday at the age of 83. He was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
His nephew said this in a statement:
“We understand for all the emotional and physical challenges this situation presented we have been among the lucky ones — this illness-pirate, unlike in so many cases, never stole his ability to recognize those that were closest to him, nor took command of his central-gentle-life affirming core personality. The decision to wait until this time to disclose his condition wasn’t vanity, but more so that the countless young children that would smile or call out to him “there’s Willy Wonka,” would not have to be then exposed to an adult referencing illness or trouble and causing delight to travel to worry, disappointment or confusion. He simply couldn’t bear the idea of one less smile in the world.
He continued to enjoy art, music, and kissing with his leading lady of the last twenty-five years, Karen. He danced down a church aisle at a wedding as parent of the groom and ring bearer, held countless afternoon movie western marathons and delighted in the the company of beloved ones.”
In honor of him, I’d like to share some of his best quotes and movie clips:
Top 5 Best Quotes
1. As Willy Wonka:
This gem is from Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory:
“Invention, my dear friends, is 93 percent perspiration, 6 percent electricity, 4 percent evaporation and 2 percent butterscotch ripple.”
2. Wilder Himself:
This is not from a movie, it’s just his view on success:
“Well, you know, success is a terrible thing and a wonderful thing. If you can enjoy it, it’s wonderful. If it starts eating away at you and they’re waiting for more from me, or what can I do to top this, then you’re in trouble. Just do what you love. That’s all I want to do.”
3. Thoughts On Charlie And The Chocolate Factory:
This was his thoughts on the remake of Willy Wonka:
“I thought the script was very good, but something was missing. I wanted to come out with a cane, come down slowly, have it stick into one of the bricks, get up, fall over, roll around, and they all laugh and applaud. The director asked, ‘what do you want to do that for?’ I said from that time on, no one will know if I’m lying or telling the truth.”
4. On Being Funny:
Here is his answer when he was asked if he’s funny:
“I’m funny on camera sometimes. In life, once in a while. Once in a while.”
5. From Willy Wonka:
Here is a great quote from the movie:
“But Charlie, don’t forget what happened to the man who suddenly got everything he always wanted. He lived happily ever after.”
Top 5 Best Movie Scenes
1. The Song From Willy Wonka
This is the famous song from the movie, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory:
2. “Put The Candle Back”
This is a famous and hilarious scene from the movie, Young Frankenstein:
3. “Putting On The Ritz”
Here is another scene from Young Frankenstein which features the late great Peter Boyle playing Dr. Frankenstein’s creature.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1FLZPFI3jc
4. Waco Kid
Here is a famous scene from the classic comedy Blazing Saddles:
5. Shooting Hand
Here is another bit from Blazing Saddles:
Featured image via Twitter.
