The Reason Gene Wilder Kept His Sickness a Secret Reminds Us Why He Was So Loved

Publish date
Wednesday, 31 Aug 2016, 10:02AM

Gene Wilder didn't want anyone to know he had Alzheimer's disease.

It was only after he died at 83 from complications of the illness that his family revealed the beloved Hollywood entertainer's secret.

"The decision to wait until this time to disclose his condition wasn't vanity, but more so that the countless young children that would smile or call out to him 'there's Willy Wonka,' would not have to be then exposed to an adult referencing illness or trouble," Wilder's family said in a statement.

"He simply couldn't bear the idea of one less smile in the world."

It was the sort of selfless sentiment that seemed to befit Wilder, a lovable and hilariously neurotic icon of so many childhoods. 

Gene Wilder died yesterday holding hands with his loved ones while listening to one of his favorite songs - which came on by chance as he took his last breath.

The much-loved Willy Wonka actor was surrounded by his family at his home in Stamford, Connecticut, when he died.

His nephew, Jordan Walker-Pearlman, revealed the touching final hours of Wilder's life, in which the family gathered for Wilder's favorite meal - a chicken dinner.

Here's statement from Gene Wilder's family on his death, why illness wasn't disclosed:

 

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