GENE WILDER, (born Jerome Silberman, June 11, 1933 - August 28, 2016) was an American stage and screen comic actor, screenwriter, film director, and author. He was known best for the lead role in the 1971 film 'Willy Wonka in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,' and the Mel Brooks comedies 'Blazing Saddles', and 'Young Frankenstein', which Wilder co-wrote, garnering the pair an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. Wilder died at age 83 from complications from Alzheimer's disease. PICTURED:  (File Photo) - Apr 11, 2005 - San Francisco, California, U.S. - Actor, Director and Producer, GENE WILDER autographed his new book 'Kiss Me Like a Stranger - My Search For Love and Art'. Wilder signed his new book and audio book in the lobby of the Balboa Theatre, in conjunction with the sold out screenings of 2 movies for which he is famous 'Young Frankenstein' and 'Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory'. Wilder was the husband of the late Gilda Radner.  (Credit Image: Dane Andrew/ZUMAPRESS.com)