The Willy Wonka star and frequent Mel Brooks collaborator passed away from Alzheimers complications. A look back at the life and career of Gene Wilder. Actor Gene Wilder has died at 83. The star of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and a slew of other beloved comedies died at his home earlier this month . Actor Gene Wilder, the legendary star of The Producers and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory has died. CNN Contributor Nischelle Turner looks back . The beloved actor, who made generations of moviegoers laugh in film such as “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” and “Young Frankenstein,” died of .
