Fallece Gene Wilder a los 83 años de edad
El actor y cómico estadounidense Gene Wilder, recordado por protagonizar títulos como 'Los productores', 'Un mundo de fantasía', 'El jovencito Frankenstein', 'Todo lo que usted siempre quiso saber sobre el sexo pero nunca se atrevió a preguntar', 'Sillas de montar calientes', 'La mujer de rojo' o 'No chilles que no te veo', ha fallecido a los 83 años de edad según ha confirmado su sobrino, Jordan Walker-Pearlman, debido a complicaciones derivadas del alzheimer que padecía desde hacía tiempo.
Tras varios años en el teatro y algún que otro trabajo en la pequeña pantalla, su debut en la gran pantalla fue en el clásico de 1967 'Bonnie y Clyde', de Arthur Penn, tras lo cual desarrolló una dilatada carrera principalmente en el ámbito de la comedia, llegando a probar suerte también como guionista y director. Sus principales éxitos llegaron de la mano de su buen amigo Mel Brooks, con quién colaboró en los dos trabajos por los que le nominaron al Óscar: al mejor actor de reparto en 1968 por 'Los productores', y al mejor guión adaptado en 1974 por 'El jovencito Frankenstein'.
La última vez que le vimos fue en 'Will y Grace', en dónde interpretó al Mr. Stein en dos capítulos uno emitido en 2002 y otro en 2003.
It is with indescribably sadness and blues, but with spiritual gratitude for the life lived that I announced the passing of husband, parent, and universal artist Gene Wilder, at his home in Stamford Connecticut. It is almost unbearable for us to contemplate our life without him.
The cause was complications from Alzheimer’s disease, with which he co-existed for the last three years. The choice to keep this private was his choice, in talking with us and making a decision as a family. 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. It took enough, but not that.
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 company of beloved ones.
He is survived by Karen, Jordan, and the Webbs (Kevin, Gretchen, Tucker, Spencer), along with Jordan’s wife Elizabeth. Gene’s sister, Corinne, predeceased him in January of this year.
He was eighty-three and passed holding our hands with the same tenderness and love he exhibited as long as I can remember. As our hands clutched and he performed one last breath the music speaker, which was set to random, began to bare out one of his favorites: Ella Fitzgerald. There is a picture of he and Ella meeting at a London bistro some years ago that are among each our cherished possessions. She was singing ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow,’ as he was taken away.
“We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams”.
Sincerely, Gene’s Kid,
Jordan Walker-Pearlman
DEP.
+1. Una tontería muy simpática.