Tributes have been pouring in for Gene Wilder, who has died at the age of 83.
The actor was hailed a “comic genius” and one of the “great talents” of his generation, after it was announced that the star had passed away from complications of Alzheimer’s.
Director Mel Brooks – who worked with Wilder on many projects – led the tributes on Twitter.
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
Stephen Fry, Albert Brooks, Ricky Gervais and Dara O Briain were also among those writing heartfelt messages.
"Good Day Sir!"
RIP Gene Wilder— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) August 29, 2016
Farewell #GeneWilder, comic genius. Thank you for all those happy happy hours. pic.twitter.com/O6oHS9TQqX
— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) August 29, 2016
Gene Wilder has died. Sad news, but such a life well lived. For me, Young Frankenstein just pips Wonka, but so many wonderful performances.
— Dara Ó Briain (@daraobriain) August 29, 2016
R.I.P Gene Wilder. As funny as they come.
— Albert Brooks (@AlbertBrooks) August 29, 2016
Many Hollywood stars also tweeted after hearing the sad news.
I saw Blazing Saddles 7 times at the cinema with my school friends . George St. Cows outside.
Gene Wilder you were a genius. Rest in Peace.— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) August 29, 2016
Gene Wilder as one of my earliest heroes. Blazing Saddles, Willy Wonka, are CLINICS on comic acting. Sad to hear of his passing.
— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) August 29, 2016
so sad to learn of the passing of my good friend, gene wilder… such an incredible man… i'll miss you ❤️
— Harry Connick Jr (@HarryConnickJR) August 29, 2016
Thank you Gene Wilder for the wonderful, the weird, the pure imagination. One of my greatest heroes. 🎩
— josh groban (@joshgroban) August 29, 2016
The genius, the talent, the actor, the original, the artist, the storyteller, the creative, the iconic, the great, great, great Gene Wilder.
— Uzo Aduba (@UzoAduba) August 29, 2016
I didn't know what "acting" was. I knew what Gene Wilder was saying excited me, & had to learn it. #pureimagination pic.twitter.com/Ag9BH53XS6
— Uzo Aduba (@UzoAduba) August 29, 2016
Thanks for stopping by Earth for a while. pic.twitter.com/gBqYOsdWWp
— olivia wilde (@oliviawilde) August 29, 2016
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