Gene Wilder’s family release an incredibly moving statement following his sad passing

An indication of the extremely caring man that he was.

A little bit of magic has left the world as the news of Gene Wilder's sad passing begins to register. The actor who was best known for his starring role in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory and various iconic comedies like Blazing Saddles, Stir Crazy and See No Evil, Hear No Evil has passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. In a statement that was released by his family, the two time Oscar nominee decided to keep his illness a secret because he didn't want to disappoint any any children who, in the event that they met him, might have to hear that Willy Wonka himself was ill. Here's the touching statement in full along with various tributes that have been paid to the gifted actor. Here are some of the people that have been deeply moved by Wilder's incredible legacy and talent. RIP. https://twitter.com/MelBrooks/status/770347237280886784 https://twitter.com/stephenfry/status/770342173770338304 https://twitter.com/ConanOBrien/status/770474644193370112 https://twitter.com/JimCarrey/status/770358316966879232 https://twitter.com/RedHourBen/status/770468506861182976 https://twitter.com/zachbraff/status/770351079917662209 https://twitter.com/sirrogermoore/status/770352555306192896 https://twitter.com/carlreiner/status/770389657687175169 https://twitter.com/rickygervais/status/770343894777200641 https://twitter.com/russellcrowe/status/770347634397630464