The news of Hollywood legend Gene Wilder’s death was greeted with shock by his legion of fans and fellow stars, who took to social media to voice their sorrow.
The star of “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” had a body of work spanning five decades, including some of Mel Brook’s best-known comedies, as well as two Oscar nominations and an Emmy Award.
Here are some of the tributes from his numerous well-known admirers.
“Gene Wilder — One of the truly great talents of our time. He blessed every film we did with his magic.
“Forever a great comedy film duo Dad and #GeneWilder RIP,” tweeted Rain Pryor, the daughter of Richard Pryor, who enjoyed a long comedy acting partnership with Wilder.
She explained on Facebook that the pair were never particularly close off screen, although they “saw each other’s genius and created hit films and were the best comedy film friends of all time.”
“Gene was a true grown-up and I never saw him party. Dad was younger and we all know, he liked to party,” she added.
“The two together accepted the other. However, nothing could beat their magic on screen nor ever will.”
In 1997, Wilder guest-starred on two episodes of NBC’s “Will and Grace,” winning an Emmy Award for outstanding guest actor on a comedy series for his role as Mr.Stein, Will Truman’s boss.
Eric McCormack, who played Will, tweeted that Wilder was “a genius I stole from constantly, and one I was humbled & thrilled to work with.”
“I can’t say what it meant to act with him and get to know his heart,” tweeted Debra Messing, who played Grace, describing Wilder as “a man who lit up the world with his joy and genius.”
“Gene Wilder (was) one of my earliest heroes. Blazing Saddles, Willy Wonka, are CLINICS on comic acting. Sad to hear of his passing,” said Hollywood A-lister Rob Lowe.
Australian “Gladiator” star Russell Crowe tweeted: “I saw Blazing Saddles 7 times at the cinema with my school friends... Gene Wilder you were a genius.”

Source: Arab News