Mel Brooks leads the tributes to long-time friend and collaborator Gene Wilder who has died at the age of 83
The Willy Wonka star has clearly left an impact on the comedic generation following his legacy
GENE Wilder's long-time friend and collaborator Mel Brooks led a host of comedic greats who have paid tribute to the late star tonight.
A family member confirmed that the Oscar-nominated actor died earlier this month following complications regarding his a battle with Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 83.
The 90-year-old Hollywood legend, who worked with Gene on a host of comedies including Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein, released a statement on Twitter.
Ha said: "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."
Gene's comedy roles have clearly made an impact on the generations of comedians that followed him - and stars have come out in force in order to express their condolences.
Hollywood actress Goldie Hawn wrote in a post on Twitter: "The great genius of comedy Gene Wilder passed today. RIP dear one. You are free to grace the heavens with your light that lifted us all."
Ben Stiller wrote: "Gene Wilder. Best ever at what he did. #RIP," Samuel L. Jackson added: "Gene Wilder, always giving us the Most!! R I P!!!"
Veteran comedian Steve Martin posted: "Goodbye, Gene Wilder. You were one of the great screen comedians. Original and surprising every time."
Billy Crystal added: "Gene Wilder was a giant of comedy. His legacy of films is inspiring. A true genius..."
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Ricky Gervais, 55, who is famed for roles such as David Brent in The Office, simply wrote: "Good day Sir!" as a farewell gesture to the star who famously yelled the line in his role of Willy Wonka in the widely-loved musical adaptation of Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Irish stand-up comic and presenter Dara O'Briain has also expressed his condolences, commenting on Gene's 83 years as "a life well lived".
Hollywood A-lister Russell Crowe also took to Twitter to relive a childhood memory involving Gene's films.
He wrote: "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."
Jim Carrey also joined him in the sentiment and added: "If there's a heaven, he has a golden ticket"
However, most decided to post pictures and videos from the beloved childhood film, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory - where Gene starred as the crazy and unpredictable chocolate factory owner.
McFly's Tom Fletcher posted a picture of Gene in his iconic Wonka outfit with the quote: "Time is a precious thing. Never waste it."
Vicky Pattison followed suit with another snap of him in the movie with the simple caption: "RIP Mr Wonka"
Director Kevin Smith also posted his tribute and referred to him as the "face of childhood joy for many a generation".
He added: "Farewell, sweet genius. Gilda awaits you."
While Willy Wonka is arguably one of his most well-known roles, the actor became famed for parts in comedies such as Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein.
He was also nominated for Best Supporting actor in 1968 film The Producers.
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