When you hear about the passing of someone that has meant something to you, at first you get sad, but then we should remind ourselves to be happy, happy for the memories that the person enriched your life with, and that is how we felt on Monday when we heard about the passing of Gene Wilder at the age of 83. Like all children of the 80s, our first memories of Gene Wilder most likely come from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, the lovable, imaginative owner of Wonka Chocolate, that also seemed troubled, yet inspired a child’s dreams. Mr. Wilder brought the children’s book character to life, and truly embodies Willy Wonka in most people’s minds.
But the movie that we most remember Mr. Wilder for is The Producers, as the character of Leo Bloom. This was our first foray into the behind the scenes of show business, and we don’t mean the movie, but in seeing it he made us laugh, and he continued to do so as we explored his work, just as he explored various roles.
Take this time to review some of his work if you haven’t, because though they have remade 2 of his most remembered roles, you will find that in The Producers and in Willy Wonka, they could not replace his genius.
Thank you for the memories, and may you receive the golden ticket to eternity.