Tributes flood in for the 'magic' Gene Wilder after Willy Wonka star dies aged 83 following a secret battle with Alzheimer's

The actor's nephew says Wilder died late Sunday in Stamford, Connecticut from Alzheimer's complications
•The actor best known for paying Willy Wonka was diagnosed with the disease three years ago, but chose to keep his condition private
•Actor did not want to disappoint fans with the news and 'couldn't bear the thought of one less smile in the world'
•Wilder was 83 years old at the time of his death and is survived by his wife Karen Boyer 
•Was a longtime collaborator with director Mel Brooks, starring in such comedies as Blazing Saddles,  The Producers and Young Frankenstein
Tributes have flooded in to the legendary actor Gene Wilder who died aged 83 on Sunday night after a secret battle with Alzheimer's.
Friend and longtime collaborator Mel Brooks led the outpouring of emotion, attesting to the 'magic' that Wilder brought to the screen, including his most well-known role as Willy Wonka.
'One of the truly great talents of our time,' Mel Brooks tweeted on Monday. 'He blessed every film we did with his magic & he blessed me with his friendship.'
Fellow comic Jim Carrey added: 'Gene Wilder was one of the funniest and sweetest energies ever to take human form. If there's a heaven, he has a golden ticket.'


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