Gene Wilder dead: Look back at his most famous film roles
Actor Gene Wilder has died at the age of 83. Take a look back at some of his most famous film roles.
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971) - Willy Wonka
The casting director for Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory was spoiled for choice, with English comic great Peter Sellers along with all six members of Monty Python expressing interest in playing the titular character.
But it was Gene Wilder who got the role and made it his own.
Young Frankenstein (1974) - Dr. Frankenstein
Wilder himself came up with the idea for this comedy based on the classic horror novel by Mary Shelley. As well as starring in it, he also co-wrote the script with director Mel Brooks, who considered the film to be his finest work.
Blazing Saddles (1974) - Jim
Mel Brooks' name pops up regularly in Wilder's filmography. He directed this satirical Western which starred Wilder as Jim, the "Waco Kid" (a role which had been offered to John Wayne).
Blazing Saddles was nominated for three Academy Awards.
The Producers (1968) - Leo Bloom
This was Mel Brooks' first film as director and it gave Wilder his first leading role (for which he was nominated for an Academy Award for best supporting actor).
The Producers became a cult classic - as well as a hit musical.
Silver Streak (1976) - George Caldwell
Wilder became known in his later acting years for his comedy partnership with Richard Pryor. It all started with their comedic thriller Silver Streak.
Stir Crazy (1980) - Skip Donahue
Wilder and Pryor reunited for this comedy about two friends who get framed for robbing a bank.
The film, directed by Sidney Poitier, made over $100 million at the box office, and was the third biggest film of the year.