Gene Wilder, star of 'Willy Wonka,' has died at 83

will wonka Paramount

(Gene Wilder.Paramount)

Gene Wilder, the legendary comic actor of "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," "Young Frankenstein," and "Blazing Saddles," died Monday at age 83.

Wilder's family confirmed the news to the Associated Press on Monday.

In a statement, his family said that Wilder died from complications from Alzheimer's disease, which he had for his last three years.

The two-time Oscar nominee also starred in four films alongside stand-up icon Richard Pryor.

Wilder is best known for his collaboration with director Mel Brooks on "Blazing Saddles" and "Young Frankenstein."

"The Producers," Wilder's breakout role, earned him a best supporting actor Oscar nomination in 1969. He later shared a best screenwriting Oscar nomination with Brooks for "Young Frankenstein" in 1975.

Wilder was married to "Saturday Night Live" star Gilda Radner. Two years after they married, Radner was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She died in 1989 at age 42.

Here is the full statement from Wilder's family:

Here's the full statement from Gene Wilder's family regarding his death: pic.twitter.com/oGv1TsiCX5

— Austin Hunt (@AustinHunt) August 29, 2016

Brooks tweeted this following news of Wilder's death:

Gene Wilder-One of the truly great talents of our time. He blessed every film we did with his magic & he blessed me with his friendship.

— Mel Brooks (@MelBrooks) August 29, 2016

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