Let the “2016 sucks” memes continue. Gene Wilder, the comedic writer, actor and director best known for his roles in such classics as Young Frankenstein, Blazing Saddles and Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory has reportedly passed away. His nephew Jordan Walker-Pearlman confirmed that he died earlier today at his home in Stamford, Connecticut due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease. He was 83 years old. His nephew released the following statement:

“We understand for all the emotional and physical challenges this situation presented we have been among the lucky ones — this illness-pirate, unlike in so many cases, never stole his ability to recognize those that were closest to him, nor took command of his central-gentle-life affirming core personality. 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 and causing delight to travel to worry, disappointment or confusion. He simply couldn’t bear the idea of one less smile in the world.

He continued to enjoy art, music, and kissing with his leading lady of the last twenty-five years, Karen. He danced down a church aisle at a wedding as parent of the groom and ring bearer, held countless afternoon movie western marathons and delighted in the the company of beloved ones.”

Wilder’s first big screen role was in Arthur Penn’s Bonnie and Clyde, and from there he went on to star in Mel Brooks’ The Producers, which earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role… not too shabby. He would continue to collaborate with Brooks over the years, eventually co-writing Young Frankenstein with him, which earned him his second Oscar nod.

He later became known for his collaborations with Richard Pryor including such hit comedies as Silver Streak, Stir Crazy and See No Evil, Hear No Evil, the latter of which he also co-wrote. He had essentially retired after the late ’90s, but he did make a couple of guest appearances on Will & Grace in 2003, which earned him an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series. There’s no question that he will be remembered as one of the greats. What are your favourite Gene Wilder performances?