Today, I received word that one of my absolute favorite actors passed away at the age of 83 from complications due to Alzheimer's. Gene Wilder will forever be remembered as not only the famous Willy Wonka, but young Frankenstein and many other characters as well. He was an inspiration and his fun, upbeat, and hilarious personality will never be forgotten.

Mr. Wilder was born Jerome Silberman on June 11, 1933. Although his birth name was Jerome, he changed his name at the age of 26 to his professional name of Gene Wilder, which he felt fit him better. His career began after he graduated from the University of Iowa when he was featured in Arnold Wesker’s “Roots.” From there, his talent grew and he instantly became a star. Although he is most famous for his role of Willy Wonka, he is remembered by many as several different characters.

I know for me, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory was one of my all time favorite movies to watch as a kid. Not only did it provide me with wonders of imagination, but it genuinely made me a happier kid watching it. It is amazing that this 1971 film was still so popular in my own childhood nearly 30 years later. Gene, I cannot thank you enough for giving me hope and for teaching me to always have fun and do what I love. It seriously saddens me so much to see such an amazing and talented man go, but I just hope that he is no longer suffering from the dreadful disease of Alzheimer's. As Willy Wonka once said, “There is no life to compare with pure imagination. Living there you’ll be truly free if you wish to be.” Gene, I hope you are in a world of pure imagination; you will never be forgotten.