On August 29, 2016, the world lost a legend. Gene Wilder was most known for his iconic role as Willy Wonka in "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory," but he had many famous performances. His career started playing a hostage in "Bonnie and Clyde," then grew to a major role in "The Producers" (where he was nominated for an Academy Award of best supporting actor ), until he started collaborating in screenwriting with Mel Brooks in projects such as "Young Frankenstein."

Wilder kept most of his life private — after finishing off his career, he relocated to Stamford, CT and lived a calm, happy life with his wife, Karen. After a difficult childhood and a hectic but exciting career in Hollywood, a simple lifestyle in quiet Connecticut was perfect. In an interview with People magazine, Wilder's nephew Jordan Walker-Pearlman said,"He would read the newspaper every morning and his personal life was fuller and richer in the last 25 years then it had ever been before."

Just like his life, Wilder wanted to keep his illness private. Three years ago, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and had been facing its symptoms ever since. However, he wanted to keep his battle out of the media for his younger fans. "We would go out and kids would light up when they saw him. He didn't want to bear any responsibility for taking away that light or the smiles. He knew there would be a parent, with the best of intentions, who would whisper something to their spouse and cause that child to feel less joy than they did when they first saw him," according to Walker-Pearlman. Wilder was an idol to many people of all ages and generations, and fans were accustomed to seeing his lively characters on the big screen. He believed that if his fans were to see him suffering at the hands of his illness that it would ruin the perfect image of his lively characters in his fans' imaginations.

Many have paid tribute to the actor and screenwriter. On "The Tonight Show," Mel Brooks said, "And he was such a dear friend. I expected that he would go, but when it happens, it's still tremendous. It's a big shock. I'm still reeling from... no more Gene. I can't call him. He was such a wonderful part of my life." On "The Late Late Show," James Corden talked about the first time he met Wilder. It was after a play in New York City, and Wilder came backstage. Usually, if someone wanders backstage to congratulate a cast, it's only for a couple of minutes. However, Wilder stayed and talked to Corden for a full half an hour, and his only concern was how Corden and his family were adjusting to the big city. "He was never anything less than brilliant at all times... He was just this magical person," said Corden after multiple encounters with Wilder. When Corden became host of "The Late Late Show," he asked Wilder if he wanted to be a part of a Willy Wonka sketch, "He sent me an email back … 'Dearest James, I don't do or go where you were hoping. But I'll be looking for you. With my love, Gene.' I was like, even the way he said no was so poetic!" Walker-Pearlman later talked about how Wilder's disease would make him forget people and their names, even thought he might've known them for a long time, "but he knew to give them energy and light." Wilder was known for his kindness, lovingness and genuineness.

Walker-Pearlman described Wilder's last moments: "He was eighty-three and passed holding our hands with the same tenderness and love he exhibited as long as I can remember. As our hands clutched and he performed one last breath, the music speaker, which was set to random, began to blare out one of his favorites: Ella Fitzgerald... She was singing 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow,' as he was taken away."