ANOTHER comedy genius has gone.

Gene Wilder, who died this week aged 83, was absurdly zany and utterly brilliant.

His huge catalogue of films were notable not just for their laughs, but for their wit, warmth, and insight.

After many years of stage acting and TV bit parts, he got his first major film role in Bonnie and Clyde as Eugene Grizzard, one of the outlaw pair’s hostages. It’s a tiny part in a film packed with powerhouse performances, but he positively sparkles from the start.

Wilder's breakthrough part in The Producers, the first of many major successes alongside Mel Brooks, showed just why he was so beloved a comedy actor. I loved the fact that, at any given moment, he could seem seconds away from being carted off in a straitjacket.

Jason Manford, who studied Wilder's performance ahead of playing Bloom in the stage version in Southampton, paid a glowing tribute. He said: "To simultaneously be the fall guy yet still make the audience hang off his every word is a rare talent I don't think has been bettered.

The film I will always the frizzy-haired actor for was remember him for was 1971 classic Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. His performance as Willy Wonka was a masterclass in creating an iconic character which Johnny Depp's later rehash shouldn't even be mentioned in the same breath as.

His last role was in Will & Grace in 2003 when, with trademark humility, he assumed all guest stars received a standing ovation from the studio audience when appearing as Will's wacky boss.

Film fans will be giving thanks for all the pure imagination over the years.

In the words of Jim Carrey: if there's a heaven, he has a golden ticket.

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