Featured image credit:YouTube 92nd Street Y
The world has lost a great man since the news of Gene Wilder's death. He brilliantly played Willy Wonka in Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory in 1971 and his creative spirit was felt beyond the character.
It was in the later years of his life when Wilder truly reminded me of his most iconic role. Dignified, honest and full of integrity, just like the world's favourite fictional chocolatier, he didn't boast for publicity. Instead, he cherished the past and had a deep respect for all things authentic.
Advert
92nd Street Y is a cultural and community centre. Video credit: YouTube 92nd Street Y
In an interview with TCM's Robert Osborne at an 92nd Street Y conference in 2013, Wilder clears up his thoughts on Tim Burton's remake of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and it turns out he's not a fan.
"I think it's an insult," he says. "Johnny Depp, I think, is a good actor, but I don't care for that director. He's a talented man, but I don't care for him doing stuff like he did."
Suggesting that Burton-Lee 'ruined a classic' tale, Wilder clearly prefers his version.
Advert
Also in the same interview, Wilder admitted that he was turned off by trends that he was seeing in films, and accepted that it was a main reason for turning down cinematic opportunities.
Well, I guess the original Willy Wonka didn't need endorsements.
In fact, speaking the day after Wilder's passing, Mel Brooks remembers his good friend Wilder and the endorsements don't come much better than that.
Mel Brooks appearing on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon (August 30 2016). Weeknights 11:35/10:35c. Video Credit: YouTube/The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon
Advert
RIP Gene Wilder (1933 - 2016).
Featured Image Credit:
Topics: johnny depp