Actor Gene Wilder, most known for his role as the beloved Willy Wonka, passed away early Monday.
It was revealed in a statement by his nephew Jordan Walker-Pearlman that Wilder’s death was due to Alzheimers disease. Wilder kept his illness a secret and the reason why will make you tear up:
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.
You can read the full statement here. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
xx, The FabFitFun Team
