Gene Wilder has passed at the age of 83. We now know that the man who wrote, produced, directed and starred in some of Hollywood’s best films and enraptured millions of hearts was suffering from debilitating Alzheimer’s disease. The legendary performer touched the world with his satire and quirky sensibilities, and while the world mourns, so do his friends and the countless entertainers he inspired. They quote his words, they reflect on his actions and they pay tribute to his utter greatness in 140 characters or less.
We’ll start off with Gene’s friend, mentor, and director, Mel Brooks.
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
Richard Pryor’s daughter made a touching tribute as well.
https://twitter.com/RainPryor/status/770353222615650304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
R.I.P Gene Wilder. As funny as they come.
— Albert Brooks (@AlbertBrooks) August 29, 2016
It’s interesting to see Jim Carrey play tribute, but in retrospect, you can sense that his manic portrayals of madmen with hearts of gold took plenty of inspiration from Wilder.
https://twitter.com/JimCarrey/status/770358316966879232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
When Gene Wilder walked into the meeting with that incredible perm in THE WOMAN IN RED, and he didn't even reference it. #RIP
— Mark Duplass (@MarkDuplass) August 29, 2016
A moment of silence for the master of the comedic pause.
Gene Wilder: funny doing something & funny doing nothing. pic.twitter.com/d5iySZVll6— edgarwright (@edgarwright) August 29, 2016
https://twitter.com/AlanTudyk/status/770349990287859712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
"Nowhere special. I always wanted to go there." #RIP #GeneWilder
— Taran Killam (@TaranKillam) August 29, 2016
https://twitter.com/buckhollywood/status/770346360713408512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
"Good Day Sir!"
RIP Gene Wilder— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) August 29, 2016
https://twitter.com/jeffreytambor/status/770361779637653505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
https://twitter.com/vincentdonofrio/status/770353790432215040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
A genius I stole from constantly, and one I was humbled & thrilled to work with. RIP #GeneWilder pic.twitter.com/hCFyET1jji
— Eric McCormack (@EricMcCormack) August 29, 2016
https://twitter.com/zachbraff/status/770351079917662209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
As we know, the passing of Gene’s wife, Gilda Radner led to Gene doing countless great works for cancer awareness, but we can’t forget his love, Karen Boyer, who he met on the set of See No Evil, Hear No Evil.
https://twitter.com/JamesGunn/status/770351315369066496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
But, of course, it must end with a Wonka meme. There’s really no other way…
https://twitter.com/TheOrlandoJones/status/770350438050770944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Wait. One more tweet for good measure. RIP, Gene. Can we get a posthumous Twitter verification for Mr. Wilder?
I had a fruit salad as a mid morning snack.
— Gene Wilder (@OfficalGene) August 1, 2013