‘Comic genius’ Tributes pour in for Gene Wilder after Willy Wonka actor dies aged 83

Wilder, known for roles in films such as Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory and Young Frankenstein, has been hailed a "comic genius".

The Oscar-nominated icon died at his home in Stamford, Connecticut, yesterday following a three-year battle with Alzheimer's disease.

His friend Mel Brooks, who directed classic comedy The Producers, tweeted: "He blessed every film we did with his magic and he blessed me with his friendship."

Comedian and presenter Dara O'Briain tweeted: "Gene Wilder has died. Sad news, but such a life well lived.

"For me, Young Frankenstein just pips Wonka, but so many wonderful performances."

And Stephen Fry wriote: "Farewell Gene Wilder, comic genius. Thank you for all those happy, happy hours."

Tributes have poured in for Gene Wilder after the star's tragic death

Some of our favourite beloved famous faces who have passed away in 2016.

One of Wilder's best known films is Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, in which he plays Roald Dahl's enchanting candy man.

Actor Zach Braff posted a short clip from the Willy Wonka film and wrote: "RIP to the legendary Gene Wilder. 2016 has been painful so far."

This year has seen a long list of celebrity deaths including David Bowie, Muhammad Ali, Prince Ronnie Corbett, Terry Wogan and Victoria Wood.

Reese Witherspoon called the late actor a 'special talent and inspiration'
The Truman Show and Bruce Almighty star Jim Carrey called Wilder "one of the funniest and sweetest energies ever to take a human form".

Russell Crowe added: "I saw Blazing Saddles seven times at the cinema with my school friends. Gene Wilder you were a genius. Rest in peace."

And Reese Witherspoon tweeted: "What a special talent and inspiration. RIP Gene Wilder. Going to watch Stir Crazy again tonight."

Wilder was born Jerome Silberman to Russian immigrant parents in 1933
Born Jerome Silberman to Russian immigrant parents in 1933, Wilder moved to the UK in 1955 to studying acting at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre.

With Brooks alumni Madeline Kahn and Marty Feldman, Wilder made his directorial debut in 1975's the Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Brother.

He was hospitalised in 1999 with non-Hodgkin lymphoma but was said to be in complete remission in 2005.