Gene Wilder was one of those special actors who found fans in multiple generations, an honorable and telling accomplishment.

As a kid who was born in the early '90s, I join many my age in remembering him most fondly as the titular character in "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" (1971). I'm not sure how many times I watched it when I was a kid, but it was a lot. I think I probably wore out the VHS myfamily owned. Many kids of my generation were raised by parents who were kids when "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory"was released in theaters in 1971, which is a pretty cool thought.

Gene Wilder's portrayal of Wonka was nothing short of brilliant. I have a friend who is, to this day, freaked out at the thought of Willy Wonka. I on the other hand, remember the character fondly. He was complicated and - at times - extremely questionable. Wilder catapulted the movie into the status it is today. He wasn't the only great part about the film, but he's mainly the reason why people still adore the movie 45 years later.

For proof, look no further than this. "Pure Imagination" is one of the most enchanting moments in cinema history:

As funny as he was, he found his way to our heartstrings, as well. Take, for example, the ending scene of the movie. Wonka famously hands his chocolate factory over to Charlie. He's still as whimsical as ever, but you realize that he's just a person like the rest of us. In fact, he's beautiful:

I got to know Gene Wilder on a whole new level in my senior year of high school. It happened in film class, like many other important moments in my life: One of the films included in the syllabus was "Young Frankenstein" (1974). It was fun watching that movie with the class because everyone laughed so much. And what's more fun than watching a truly great comedy with a room full of people? Very little. Up until that point, I knew Gene Wilder was funny, but I didn't know he was that funny.

I was fortunate to catch "Young Frankenstein" on the big screen (for $5!) last fall at the local movie theater. A group of friends from school came along and it was another memorable experience. I laughed at the movie as if it were the first time I was watching it and everyone else really enjoyed it, too.

That's part of the magic of Gene Wilder: His performances stay fresh over the years and through numerous viewings. If you tire of him, you're probably doing it all wrong. Don't stop with one or two of his films. Keep going.

This Halloween, be sure to gather a group of friends and watch "Young Frankenstein" and enjoy yourself in his honor.

Laugh until it hurts and appreciate Gene Wilder for everything he was: a comic, madman, genius, chocolatier, friend, father, husband and good guy.