The past days have been filled with remembrance and heartbreak as fans mourn the loss of the iconic actor, Gene Wilder. Wilder passed away in his home on August 29, 2016 from Alzheimer’s Disease. Gene Wilder was a show-stopping comedic of his time and stole the hearts of audiences in Young Frankenstein, Blazing Saddles, The Producers, Stir Crazy, and Willy Wonka. As I look back over the past years, I have found that Wilder was a man that taught us all valuable lessons that we still cherish to this day.

Be Yourself

If I could think of one word to describe Gene Wilder it would be, original. From his facial expressions, wittiness, and wild hair, Gene Wilder was always himself. Whether he was stating a quick witted sarcastic line, or showing his inner hysteria, Wilder created a character of himself.

Time is Key

“So much time and so little to do. Wait a minute. Strike that. Reverse it. Thank you.” In his iconic role as Wonka, Wilder consistently refers to time. Time is simply time, but how you use it is what counts. I always tell myself to spend my time doing things that make me happy, and not wasting time on things that do not.

Do good deeds

“So shines a good deed in a weary world.” No matter what you say or do, whether it is big or small, it will affect someone. Whether it’s wishing someone “good luck,’’ on their test, or donating to a good cause, it will make a difference in the world.

Follow Your Dreams

"Don't forget what happend to the man who suddenly got everything he wanted. He lived happily ever after." The final line from Mr. Wonka. This quote has always been motivational to me. After watching Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory for years, I have always found Charlie Bucket's story inspirational. The fact he is grateful and cherishes life, despite his family not having a lot, is a beautiful quality, and he still followed his dreams. Even if it all began with a golden ticket.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysv5XtiZwaQ

And always remember

Thank you Mr. Wilder for your talent, creativeness, and your pure imagination.