RIP Gene Wilder | The Source Weekly - Bend, Oregon

RIP Gene Wilder



"Nowhere special. I always wanted to go there."

This year has been a terrible one when it comes to the deaths of beloved actors, musicians, writers and athletes that shaped our lives. David Bowie, Ali, Prince, Alan Rickman, Harper Lee, Phife Dawg, Garry Shandling, Michelle McNamara, Anton Yelchin, Elie Wiesel, Michael Cimino, Garry Marshall and Kenny Baker are just a few to have left us already.  
Today brought the passing of another legend, Mr. Gene Wilder. He passed away in his Stamford, Connecticut home from complications related to Alzheimer's Disease. He died holding the hands of his family as Ella Fitzgerald sang "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" in the background. 
With films like "Young Frankenstein," "Blazing Saddles," "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," "The Producers" and all of his work with Richard Pryor, Wilder created laughter like most people create oxygen. Hopefuly he is with Gilda now. 
The Source gives his family our love in this terrible time. 

Jared Rasic

Film critic and author of food, arts and culture stories for the Source Weekly since 2010.
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