Stars pay tribute following death of Gene Wilder

Tributes have been pouring in for Gene Wilder, who has died at the age of 83.

The actor was hailed a “comic genius” and one of the “great talents” of his generation, after it was announced that the star had passed away from complications of Alzheimer’s.

Director Mel Brooks – who worked with Wilder on many projects – led the tributes on Twitter.

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

Stephen Fry, Albert Brooks, Ricky Gervais and Dara O Briain were also among those writing heartfelt messages.

"Good Day Sir!"
RIP Gene Wilder

— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) August 29, 2016

Farewell #GeneWilder, comic genius. Thank you for all those happy happy hours. pic.twitter.com/O6oHS9TQqX

— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) August 29, 2016

Gene Wilder has died. Sad news, but such a life well lived. For me, Young Frankenstein just pips Wonka, but so many wonderful performances.

— Dara Ã Briain (@daraobriain) August 29, 2016

R.I.P Gene Wilder. As funny as they come.

— Albert Brooks (@AlbertBrooks) August 29, 2016

Many Hollywood stars also tweeted after hearing the sad news.

I saw Blazing Saddles 7 times at the cinema with my school friends . George St. Cows outside.
Gene Wilder you were a genius. Rest in Peace.

— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) August 29, 2016

Gene Wilder as one of my earliest heroes. Blazing Saddles, Willy Wonka, are CLINICS on comic acting. Sad to hear of his passing.

— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) August 29, 2016

so sad to learn of the passing of my good friend, gene wilder… such an incredible man… i'll miss you â¤ï¸

— Harry Connick Jr (@HarryConnickJR) August 29, 2016

Thank you Gene Wilder for the wonderful, the weird, the pure imagination. One of my greatest heroes. ð©

— josh groban (@joshgroban) August 29, 2016

The genius, the talent, the actor, the original, the artist, the storyteller, the creative, the iconic, the great, great, great Gene Wilder.

— Uzo Aduba (@UzoAduba) August 29, 2016

I didn't know what "acting" was. I knew what Gene Wilder was saying excited me, & had to learn it. #pureimagination pic.twitter.com/Ag9BH53XS6

— Uzo Aduba (@UzoAduba) August 29, 2016