Gene Wilder 1933-2016: Celebrities react to the comic legend's death

Gene Wilder dies

Hollywood was rocked by news Monday that comic legend Gene Wilder had passed away.

Wilder, who made a name for himself in Mel Brooks films like “The Producers,” “Blazing Saddles” and “Young Frankenstein,” died Monday at 83 from complications related to Alzheimer’s disease.

Gene Wilder, "Blazing Saddles" and "Willy Wonka" star, dead at 83

Brooks was quick to get words of love and support out onto Twitter as a tribute to his late colleague.

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.
— Mel Brooks (@MelBrooks) August 29, 2016

But Brooks was just the first of many, as news of Wilder’s passing reverberated across Hollywood.

I met Gene Wilder in college at the Pasadena Playhouse. He was a gentleman and a gift to the world. Now with Gilda forever, rest in peace.
— RUTH BUZZI (@Ruth_A_Buzzi) August 29, 2016

Gene Wilder as one of my earliest heroes. Blazing Saddles, Willy Wonka, are CLINICS on comic acting. Sad to hear of his passing.
— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) August 29, 2016

Gene Wilder was one of the funniest and sweetest energies ever to take a human form. If there's a heaven he has a Golden Ticket. ;^)
— Jim Carrey (@JimCarrey) August 29, 2016

Gene Wilder touched my life, my heart and my funny bone with his unique and genius work. May he rest with peace and joy. #gene wilder
— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) August 29, 2016

"We are the music makers. And we are the dreamers of dreams" Thank you Mr. Wilder. May you Rest in Peace
— Colin Hanks (@ColinHanks) August 29, 2016

Gene Wilder: 'What if I’m not funny? What if I fail?' https://t.co/kaU9BI5L2p What a great and beautiful soul x
— Minnie Driver (@driverminnie) August 29, 2016

R.I.P Gene Wilder. As funny as they come.
— Albert Brooks (@AlbertBrooks) August 29, 2016

so sad to learn of the passing of my good friend, gene wilder... such an incredible man... i'll miss you ❤️
— Harry Connick Jr (@HarryConnickJR) August 29, 2016

Thanks for stopping by Earth for a while. pic.twitter.com/gBqYOsdWWp
— olivia wilde (@oliviawilde) August 29, 2016

"Good Day Sir!"
RIP Gene Wilder
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) August 29, 2016

He was always able to make us smile, and that is no small feat. Rest with the stars, Gene Wilder. pic.twitter.com/kxis66bIGd
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) August 29, 2016

Mel Brooks
Gene Wilder

Ned Ehrbar

Ned Ehrbar is an entertainment producer for CBS News.

Twitter Facebook

More from CBS News