It's hard not to love Gene Wilder. Even if you can name only a few of his films, whenever he appeared on screen, he brought a sense of joy and mischief. His sly smile and piercing blue eyes always made you think he knew something you didn't, but he was always keen to slowly let you in on the joke. Whether in his iconic performance as the titular candy maker in "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" or in his later (and final) role on the NBC sitcom "Will & Grace," there was something about Wilder that brought a smile, along with a whole lot of genuine belly laughs.
While Wilder could sell any joke on the page, it was the seriousness with which he took each role that elevated the material, particularly in his multiple collaborations with Mel Brooks. One of the reasons "Young Frankenstein" has endured as one...
While Wilder could sell any joke on the page, it was the seriousness with which he took each role that elevated the material, particularly in his multiple collaborations with Mel Brooks. One of the reasons "Young Frankenstein" has endured as one...
- 11/8/2022
- by Jeff Kelly
- Slash Film
White Horse Pictures, the production company behind recent documentaries about the Beatles, Lucille Ball and the Bee Gees, is producing another look at a legendary entertainer: Gene Wilder.
Library Films’ Chris Smith, the filmmaker behind projects such as “Bad Vegan” and “100 Foot Wave,” is directing the documentary about the star of “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” and “Young Frankenstein,” which will be told through the perspective of Jordan Walker-Pearlman, the late actor’s nephew and a filmmaker in his own right.
The documentary is produced in association with Sobey Road Entertainment, Harlem Hollywood and Mojo Global Arts. White Horse president and partner Nicholas Ferrall and partner Cassidy Hartmann will produce alongside Smith and Sobey Road’s Andrew Trapani. White Horse partners Nigel Sinclair and Jeanne Elfant Festa serve as executive producers alongside Mojo Global Arts’ Morris Ruskin and Joseph Mellicker. Joey Scoma will serve as editor and John Keller as co-executive producer.
Library Films’ Chris Smith, the filmmaker behind projects such as “Bad Vegan” and “100 Foot Wave,” is directing the documentary about the star of “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” and “Young Frankenstein,” which will be told through the perspective of Jordan Walker-Pearlman, the late actor’s nephew and a filmmaker in his own right.
The documentary is produced in association with Sobey Road Entertainment, Harlem Hollywood and Mojo Global Arts. White Horse president and partner Nicholas Ferrall and partner Cassidy Hartmann will produce alongside Smith and Sobey Road’s Andrew Trapani. White Horse partners Nigel Sinclair and Jeanne Elfant Festa serve as executive producers alongside Mojo Global Arts’ Morris Ruskin and Joseph Mellicker. Joey Scoma will serve as editor and John Keller as co-executive producer.
- 4/28/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
MoJo also finalises deal with HBO on Chateua Vato.
Morris Ruskin, Jordan Walker-Pearlman and Joseph Mellicker’s new production and management company MoJo Global Arts has licensed US rights on last season’s South African Oscar submission Knuckle City to Showtime.
Jahmil X.T. Qubeka’s film follows an aging professional boxer and his career-criminal brother who is about to be released from prison. The sons of a legendary fighter-turned-gangster team up to create one last shot at fame but encounter more than they bargained for. MoJo Global Arts represents Qubeka.
Ruskin brokered the deal on behalf of MoJo with Helen Huang on behalf of Showtime.
Morris Ruskin, Jordan Walker-Pearlman and Joseph Mellicker’s new production and management company MoJo Global Arts has licensed US rights on last season’s South African Oscar submission Knuckle City to Showtime.
Jahmil X.T. Qubeka’s film follows an aging professional boxer and his career-criminal brother who is about to be released from prison. The sons of a legendary fighter-turned-gangster team up to create one last shot at fame but encounter more than they bargained for. MoJo Global Arts represents Qubeka.
Ruskin brokered the deal on behalf of MoJo with Helen Huang on behalf of Showtime.
- 7/31/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
Company launched North American sales in Tiff on South African Oscar submission Knuckle City.
Morris Ruskin and Jordan Walker-Pearlman’s new Los Angeles-based production and management company MoJo Global Arts has unveiled a slate of three projects featuring a Latinx comedy, a Jazz documentary, and an epic TV project about Harlem.
MoJo has come on board as producer’s rep on acquisition title Chateau Vato, a completed Latinx comedy starring Paul Rodriguez. Tom Musca, whose screenplay credits include Stand And Deliver and Tortilla Soup, wrote, directed and produced the film about a gardener who moves into an abandoned mansion with...
Morris Ruskin and Jordan Walker-Pearlman’s new Los Angeles-based production and management company MoJo Global Arts has unveiled a slate of three projects featuring a Latinx comedy, a Jazz documentary, and an epic TV project about Harlem.
MoJo has come on board as producer’s rep on acquisition title Chateau Vato, a completed Latinx comedy starring Paul Rodriguez. Tom Musca, whose screenplay credits include Stand And Deliver and Tortilla Soup, wrote, directed and produced the film about a gardener who moves into an abandoned mansion with...
- 9/16/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Los Angeles-based MoJo Global Arts, former Shoreline Ent. CEO Morris Ruskin’s newly-minted production-management venture, has struck a strategic alliance with top Spanish-language group 2btube and its subsidiary Touché Films.
The deal will see the partners develop, package and produce premium TV and movie content for Latin America, Spain and the Hispanic U.S.
In a first phase, the partners will join forces to access U.S.-based talent for Touché and 2btube projects, as MoJo represents Touché and 2btube for potential co-production deals with Ott operators, TV networks and studios. A next step would be to involve talent agencies complete project packaging.
The alliance aligns MoJo, co-created by filmmaker Jordan Walker-Pearlman, with 2btube, one of the biggest digital media companies in the Spanish-speaking world with offices in Spain, Mexico, Ecuador, Colombia and the U.S.
“Suddenly the worldwide demand for Spanish-language content is skyrocketing. It’s really a very exciting time,...
The deal will see the partners develop, package and produce premium TV and movie content for Latin America, Spain and the Hispanic U.S.
In a first phase, the partners will join forces to access U.S.-based talent for Touché and 2btube projects, as MoJo represents Touché and 2btube for potential co-production deals with Ott operators, TV networks and studios. A next step would be to involve talent agencies complete project packaging.
The alliance aligns MoJo, co-created by filmmaker Jordan Walker-Pearlman, with 2btube, one of the biggest digital media companies in the Spanish-speaking world with offices in Spain, Mexico, Ecuador, Colombia and the U.S.
“Suddenly the worldwide demand for Spanish-language content is skyrocketing. It’s really a very exciting time,...
- 9/9/2019
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Aaa Entertainment handles international sales on South Africa-set boxing drama.
Morris Ruskin and Jordan Walker-Pearlman’s new production and management company MoJo Global Arts will launch North American sales in Toronto on festival selection and boxing drama Knuckle City.
South African writer-director Jahmil X.T. Qubeka’s film receives its international premiere in Contemporary World Cinema on Saturday Sept. 7 and stars Bongile Mantsai as a struggling boxer who battles the system and his corrupt younger brother with the aim of lifting his family out of poverty.
Layla Swart produced the film, which premiered at Durban International Film festival in July.
Morris Ruskin and Jordan Walker-Pearlman’s new production and management company MoJo Global Arts will launch North American sales in Toronto on festival selection and boxing drama Knuckle City.
South African writer-director Jahmil X.T. Qubeka’s film receives its international premiere in Contemporary World Cinema on Saturday Sept. 7 and stars Bongile Mantsai as a struggling boxer who battles the system and his corrupt younger brother with the aim of lifting his family out of poverty.
Layla Swart produced the film, which premiered at Durban International Film festival in July.
- 8/30/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Will Smith’s Overbrook Entertainment is to produce a documentary series about a youth racing school that teaches kids motorsports after striking a deal with nascent production and management company MoJo.
The two companies are developing Urban Youth Racing School, a TV docu-series based on a Racing School located in Philadelphia.
The school is a program for city students ages 8-18 founded by Anthony Martín and his wife Michelle over 20 years ago that teaches science technology, engineering, mathematics and motorsports, culminating in the creation of a real student racing team.
Smith, his brother-in-law Caleeb Pinkett, Overbrook co-founder James Lassiter will exec produce with MoJo Founders Morris Ruskin and The Visit director Jordan Walker-Pearlman. MoJo’s Alex Flores will produce alongside associate producer Crystal Roney.
The series is set to start shooting in the next school season with a set of special guest stars expected to be lined up.
MoJo...
The two companies are developing Urban Youth Racing School, a TV docu-series based on a Racing School located in Philadelphia.
The school is a program for city students ages 8-18 founded by Anthony Martín and his wife Michelle over 20 years ago that teaches science technology, engineering, mathematics and motorsports, culminating in the creation of a real student racing team.
Smith, his brother-in-law Caleeb Pinkett, Overbrook co-founder James Lassiter will exec produce with MoJo Founders Morris Ruskin and The Visit director Jordan Walker-Pearlman. MoJo’s Alex Flores will produce alongside associate producer Crystal Roney.
The series is set to start shooting in the next school season with a set of special guest stars expected to be lined up.
MoJo...
- 5/31/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s film news roundup, Shania Twain has a new role, the Russo Brothers board an action comedy, MoJo launches, the Academy names three new governors and a Canadian film fund is unveiled.
Castings
Shania Twain, Britt Robertson, Melissa Roxburgh, and Nathan Dean Parsons will star opposite Kj Apa in “I Still Believe,” Lionsgate’s faith-based biopic about Christian music star Jeremy Camp.
Twain will play Jeremy Camp’s mother Terry Camp. Robertson will play Melissa Henning, who married Jeremy Camp in 2000, while Roxburgh will play Melissa Hennning’s older sister and Parsons will play a rock star friend who mentors Jeremy Camp.
Brothers Jon and Andrew Erwin, and producing partner Kevin Downes are reteaming with the studio following the success of their 2018 faith-based film “I Can Only Imagine,” which grossed $85 million worldwide. It’s the first project coming out of their film and TV first-look deal with Lionsgate,...
Castings
Shania Twain, Britt Robertson, Melissa Roxburgh, and Nathan Dean Parsons will star opposite Kj Apa in “I Still Believe,” Lionsgate’s faith-based biopic about Christian music star Jeremy Camp.
Twain will play Jeremy Camp’s mother Terry Camp. Robertson will play Melissa Henning, who married Jeremy Camp in 2000, while Roxburgh will play Melissa Hennning’s older sister and Parsons will play a rock star friend who mentors Jeremy Camp.
Brothers Jon and Andrew Erwin, and producing partner Kevin Downes are reteaming with the studio following the success of their 2018 faith-based film “I Can Only Imagine,” which grossed $85 million worldwide. It’s the first project coming out of their film and TV first-look deal with Lionsgate,...
- 5/14/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Whoopi Goldberg, Sasheer Zamata, Angelica Ross and Hill Harper will star in Jordan Walker-Pearlman’s Ghetto Plainsman, an adaptation of Jarid Manos’ gritty novel.
Ghetto Plainsman is about a racially enigmatic young man, Marcus, dealing with identity and self-hatred while falling into a world of prostitution and drug dealing in 1980s and 1990s New York. He seeks redemption through his love of the American West, where he confronts an equally violent and fragile world.
Goldberg will play Zaures, an androgynous drug lord running the enterprise Marcus works for, who takes an interest in him. Zamata will...
Ghetto Plainsman is about a racially enigmatic young man, Marcus, dealing with identity and self-hatred while falling into a world of prostitution and drug dealing in 1980s and 1990s New York. He seeks redemption through his love of the American West, where he confronts an equally violent and fragile world.
Goldberg will play Zaures, an androgynous drug lord running the enterprise Marcus works for, who takes an interest in him. Zamata will...
- 8/1/2017
- by Rebecca Ford
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A film based on writer, activist, longtime vegan athlete, and youth worker Jarid Manos’ memoir “Ghetto Plainsman,” is in the works, with Jordan Walker-Pearlman (“The Visit”) directing from a script he co-wrote with Carlton Jordan, Manos, and Elizabeth Hunter. Walker-Pearlman is also producing… Continue Reading →...
- 9/2/2016
- by shadowandact
- ShadowAndAct
They say you find love when you're least expecting it - and that's exactly what happened when Gene Wilder met his future wife Karen Boyer. The actor had been married to iconic comedian Gilda Radner - a famed romance that ended tragically when Radner died in 1989 of ovarian cancer, more than four years after they had wed. Wilder's nephew, Jordan Walker-Pearlman, tells People the actor "questioned whether he would ever date again." "I think a part of him, after Gilda, wondered, 'Will I ever find someone who excites me again,' " says Walker-Pearlman of the legendary Willy Wonka star, who...
- 8/31/2016
- by Jodi Guglielmi and Mia McNiece
- PEOPLE.com
They say you find love when you're least expecting it - and that's exactly what happened when Gene Wilder met his future wife Karen Boyer. The actor had been married to iconic comedian Gilda Radner - a famed romance that ended tragically when Radner died in 1989 of ovarian cancer, more than four years after they had wed. Wilder's nephew, Jordan Walker-Pearlman, tells People the actor "questioned whether he would ever date again." "I think a part of him, after Gilda, wondered, 'Will I ever find someone who excites me again,' " says Walker-Pearlman of the legendary Willy Wonka star, who...
- 8/31/2016
- by Jodi Guglielmi and Mia McNiece
- PEOPLE.com
Gene Wilder's passing at the age of 83 from complications with Alzheimer's disease was a surprise to many - and that's how the iconic actor wanted it. Wilder hid his health struggles from the public and kept a low-key lifestyle in recent years, seldom being seen in public. But before his diagnosis three years ago, Wilder's nephew, Jordan Walker-Pearlman, tells People the actor "was living an idyllic life" in Connecticut and California. He spent his days playing tennis, writing and painting with his wife of almost 25 years Karen Boyer, a speech consultant he met while doing research for the 1989 film See No Evil,...
- 8/31/2016
- by Stephanie Petit, @stephpetit
- PEOPLE.com
Gene Wilder's passing at the age of 83 from complications with Alzheimer's disease was a surprise to many - and that's how the iconic actor wanted it. Wilder hid his health struggles from the public and kept a low-key lifestyle in recent years, seldom being seen in public. But before his diagnosis three years ago, Wilder's nephew, Jordan Walker-Pearlman, tells People the actor "was living an idyllic life" in Connecticut and California. He spent his days playing tennis, writing and painting with his wife of almost 25 years Karen Boyer, a speech consultant he met while doing research for the 1989 film See No Evil,...
- 8/31/2016
- by Stephanie Petit, @stephpetit
- PEOPLE.com
The sad news for fans of film comedy spread like wildfire earlier this week. Here’s the opening paragraph facts from the New York Times:
Gene Wilder, who established himself as one of America’s foremost comic actors with his delightfully neurotic performances in three films directed by Mel Brooks; his eccentric star turn in the family classic “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”; and his winning chemistry with Richard Pryor in the box-office smash “Stir Crazy,” died early Monday morning at his home in Stamford, Conn. He was 83.
A nephew, the filmmaker Jordan Walker-Pearlman, confirmed his death in a statement, saying the cause was complications of Alzheimer’s disease.
Mr. Wilder’s rule for comedy was simple: Don’t try to make it funny; try to make it real. “I’m an actor, not a clown,” he said more than once.
And what an actor. That’s from the...
Gene Wilder, who established himself as one of America’s foremost comic actors with his delightfully neurotic performances in three films directed by Mel Brooks; his eccentric star turn in the family classic “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”; and his winning chemistry with Richard Pryor in the box-office smash “Stir Crazy,” died early Monday morning at his home in Stamford, Conn. He was 83.
A nephew, the filmmaker Jordan Walker-Pearlman, confirmed his death in a statement, saying the cause was complications of Alzheimer’s disease.
Mr. Wilder’s rule for comedy was simple: Don’t try to make it funny; try to make it real. “I’m an actor, not a clown,” he said more than once.
And what an actor. That’s from the...
- 8/31/2016
- by Jim Batts
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Gene Wilder and Gilda Radner: Longtime Friend Carl Reiner Remembers 'Happiest' Moment For the Couple
Few people were able to experience Gene Wilder and Gilda Radner's romance like Wilder's longtime friend Carl Reiner. "The last time I saw them together was in the South of France in the '70s," Reiner tells People. "He was holding their little dog and it was nestled in his neck and he had his arm around Gilda. The ocean was behind them and it was a beautiful setting." The veteran comedy producer, director, actor and writer says he'll never forget what Radner said in that moment. "She said, 'This is the happiest I'll ever be,'" Reiner recalls.
- 8/30/2016
- by Kara Warner, @karawarner
- PEOPLE.com
Gene Wilder and Gilda Radner: Longtime Friend Carl Reiner Remembers 'Happiest' Moment For the Couple
Few people were able to experience Gene Wilder and Gilda Radner's romance like Wilder's longtime friend Carl Reiner. "The last time I saw them together was in the South of France in the '70s," Reiner tells People. "He was holding their little dog and it was nestled in his neck and he had his arm around Gilda. The ocean was behind them and it was a beautiful setting." The veteran comedy producer, director, actor and writer says he'll never forget what Radner said in that moment. "She said, 'This is the happiest I'll ever be,'" Reiner recalls.
- 8/30/2016
- by Kara Warner, @karawarner
- PEOPLE.com
Los Angeles – The genius comedy of Gene Wilder was often in the subtlety. With a slow burn or a raised eyebrow, Wilder was able to draw big laughs. The star of “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” and “Young Frankenstein” died in Stamford, Connecticut, according to his nephew in Los Angeles. He was 83.
Wilder was well into his thirties before the first big break came along in 1967, in the classic film “Bonnie and Clyde.” From there he was able to trade in his frizzy-haired persona in his co-starring role in Mel Brook’s “The Producers” (1968). It was his collaboration with Brooks that certified his legacy, with one-two punch of “Blazing Saddles” and “Young Frankenstein” in 1974. He was also held in high regard by a generation of children with his classic turn as the title character in “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” (1971).
Pure Imagination: Gene Wilder in ‘Willy Wonka & the Chocolate...
Wilder was well into his thirties before the first big break came along in 1967, in the classic film “Bonnie and Clyde.” From there he was able to trade in his frizzy-haired persona in his co-starring role in Mel Brook’s “The Producers” (1968). It was his collaboration with Brooks that certified his legacy, with one-two punch of “Blazing Saddles” and “Young Frankenstein” in 1974. He was also held in high regard by a generation of children with his classic turn as the title character in “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” (1971).
Pure Imagination: Gene Wilder in ‘Willy Wonka & the Chocolate...
- 8/29/2016
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
What makes a great actor great? When I watch a performance, there are certain things I look for, and the biggest of those things is whether or not the actor is making choices about their work. There are plenty of actors who get through a scene just fine and who deliver their lines nicely and who never ever connect beyond that for me because it doesn’t feel like they’re bringing anything to the process aside from their physical presence. There are certain actors, though, who I am immediately drawn to because you can see how they’re taking the raw material of the script and they’re putting it through their personal filter so that the end result is something the writer couldn’t have imagined, that the director couldn’t have asked for, and that the actor never would have reached on his own. Gene Wilder was one of those actors,...
- 8/29/2016
- by Drew McWeeny
- Hitfix
On Sunday, Gene Wilder died of complications from Alzheimer's disease at the age of 83. His nephew Jordan Walker-Pearlman confirmed the news in a statement. "He was eighty-three and passed holding our hands with the same tenderness and love he exhibited as long as I can remember. As our hands clutched and he performed one last breath, the music speaker, which was set to random, began to blare out one of his favorites: Ella Fitzgerald. There is a picture of he and Ella meeting at a London Bistro some years ago that are among each of our cherished possessions. She was singing 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow,...
- 8/29/2016
- by Lydia Price, @lydsprice
- PEOPLE.com
On Sunday, Gene Wilder died of complications from Alzheimer's disease at the age of 83. His nephew Jordan Walker-Pearlman confirmed the news in a statement. "He was eighty-three and passed holding our hands with the same tenderness and love he exhibited as long as I can remember. As our hands clutched and he performed one last breath, the music speaker, which was set to random, began to blare out one of his favorites: Ella Fitzgerald. There is a picture of he and Ella meeting at a London Bistro some years ago that are among each of our cherished possessions. She was singing 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow,...
- 8/29/2016
- by Lydia Price, @lydsprice
- PEOPLE.com
He brought smiles, laughter, and merry memories to multiple generations, and although his legacy will live on, it is with great sadness that we share the news that Gene Wilder has passed away at the age of 83.
Multiple sources, including THR, report that Wilder died at his home in Stamford, Conn. on Sunday. After fighting Alzheimer’s Disease over the past several years, he passed away while listening to Ella Fitzgerald’s cover of “Somewhere over the Rainbow.”
A heartfelt statement (via Variety) by Wilder’s nephew, Jordan Walker-Pearlman, reveals that his uncle lived comfortably and happily among his loved ones in his final years:
“The decision to wait until this time to disclose his condition wasn’t vanity, but more so that the countless young children that would smile or call out to him “there’s Willy Wonka,” would not have to be then exposed to an adult referencing...
Multiple sources, including THR, report that Wilder died at his home in Stamford, Conn. on Sunday. After fighting Alzheimer’s Disease over the past several years, he passed away while listening to Ella Fitzgerald’s cover of “Somewhere over the Rainbow.”
A heartfelt statement (via Variety) by Wilder’s nephew, Jordan Walker-Pearlman, reveals that his uncle lived comfortably and happily among his loved ones in his final years:
“The decision to wait until this time to disclose his condition wasn’t vanity, but more so that the countless young children that would smile or call out to him “there’s Willy Wonka,” would not have to be then exposed to an adult referencing...
- 8/29/2016
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Gene Wilder, the legendary actor best known for his work in Willy Wonka and Young Frankenstein, has died. He was 83. Gene Wilder Dies Wilder died earlier this month at his home in Stamford, Connecticut, from complications from Alzheimer’s disease, his nephew Jordan Walker-Pearlman confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter. Wilder previously battled non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Before finding […]
The post Gene Wilder, ‘Willy Wonka’ & ‘Young Frankenstein’ Star, Dies At 83 appeared first on uInterview.
The post Gene Wilder, ‘Willy Wonka’ & ‘Young Frankenstein’ Star, Dies At 83 appeared first on uInterview.
- 8/29/2016
- by Chelsea Regan
- Uinterview
It's on a very sad note that I write this. Gene Wilder has passed away. The man was an absolute giant of Hollywood with memorable performance after memorable performance. Young Frankenstein, Silver Streak, Blazing Saddles, Willy Wonka and Stir Crazy instantly spring to mind. He died on Monday at his home in Stamford, Connecticut. According to his nephew Jordan Walker-Pearlman the icon died of complications from Alzheimer’s disease. He was 83. Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family!!
- 8/29/2016
- by noreply@blogger.com (Vic Barry)
- www.themoviebit.com
The comedy world is mourning the passing of Gene Wilder, who died Sunday night from complications from Alzheimer’s at age 83, with the actor’s nephew Jordan Walker-Pearlman confirming the sad news in a statement. “We understand for all the emotional and physical challenges this situation presented we have been among the lucky ones – this illness-pirate, unlike in […]...
- 8/29/2016
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
Gene Wilder, the comedian known to a generation as Willy Wonka and an icon thanks to his works with Mel Brooks on The Producers, Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein, has died from complications due to Alzheimer’s Disease, according to Variety. He was 83.
Wilder's nephew Jordan Walker-Pearlman revealed the actor died following a private three-year battle with Alzheimer's. "The choice to keep this private was his choice, in talking with us and making a decision as a family," Walker-Pearlman wrote. "We understand for all the emotional and physical challenges this...
Wilder's nephew Jordan Walker-Pearlman revealed the actor died following a private three-year battle with Alzheimer's. "The choice to keep this private was his choice, in talking with us and making a decision as a family," Walker-Pearlman wrote. "We understand for all the emotional and physical challenges this...
- 8/29/2016
- Rollingstone.com
After decades of delighting audiences with his nonpareil comic sensibility, Gene Wilder has passed away at 83. His nephew, Jordan Walker-Pearlman, says the actor, writer and director died at his home in Stamford, Connecticut of complications from Alzheimer’s disease.
Read More: Gene Wilder Opens Up About Making of ‘Willy Wonka’ and ‘Young Frankenstein’ – Watch
Wilder first came to fame with his role in “The Producers,” earning an Academy Award nomination and a decades-long collaboration with Mel Brooks. The two also worked together on “Blazing Saddles” and “Young Frankenstein,” which Wilder co-wrote with Brooks; the pair received an Oscar nod for their screenplay. He was known best to generations of viewers for his title role in “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,” which evinced a certain menace behind the smile — the kind of performance that seems more sinister with age.
Read More: We Miss You! Our Favorite Hypothetical Comebacks
Born Jerome Silberman on June 11, 1933 in Milwaukee,...
Read More: Gene Wilder Opens Up About Making of ‘Willy Wonka’ and ‘Young Frankenstein’ – Watch
Wilder first came to fame with his role in “The Producers,” earning an Academy Award nomination and a decades-long collaboration with Mel Brooks. The two also worked together on “Blazing Saddles” and “Young Frankenstein,” which Wilder co-wrote with Brooks; the pair received an Oscar nod for their screenplay. He was known best to generations of viewers for his title role in “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,” which evinced a certain menace behind the smile — the kind of performance that seems more sinister with age.
Read More: We Miss You! Our Favorite Hypothetical Comebacks
Born Jerome Silberman on June 11, 1933 in Milwaukee,...
- 8/29/2016
- by Michael Nordine
- Indiewire
I come bearing sad news: The Associated Press reports that actor Gene Wilder has died at the age of 83. His nephew, Jordan Walker-Pearlman, said Wilder passed away due to complications from Alzheimer's disease.
Here's the full statement:
“We understand for all the emotional and physical challenges this situation presented we have been among the lucky ones — this illness-pirate, unlike in so many cases, never stole his ability to recognize those that were closest to him, nor took command of his central-gentle-life affirming core personality. The decision to wait until this time to disclose his condition wasn’t vanity, but more so that the countless young children that would smile or call out to him “there’s Willy Wonka,” would not have to be then exposed to an adult referencing illness or trouble and causing delight to travel to worry, disappointment or confusion. He simply couldn’t bear the idea of...
Here's the full statement:
“We understand for all the emotional and physical challenges this situation presented we have been among the lucky ones — this illness-pirate, unlike in so many cases, never stole his ability to recognize those that were closest to him, nor took command of his central-gentle-life affirming core personality. The decision to wait until this time to disclose his condition wasn’t vanity, but more so that the countless young children that would smile or call out to him “there’s Willy Wonka,” would not have to be then exposed to an adult referencing illness or trouble and causing delight to travel to worry, disappointment or confusion. He simply couldn’t bear the idea of...
- 8/29/2016
- by Ben Pearson
- GeekTyrant
Hollywood has lost another icon in the film industry. Gene Wilder, who starred in several unforgettable movies including The Producers, Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein and Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, died Monday at his home in Connecticut, his family confirmed to Variety. His nephew Jordan Walker-Pearlman added that he died of complications from Alzheimer's disease. He was 83 years old. According to the publication, Gene had been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 1989. The comic actor, who was nominated for two Oscars over his long career, first got his start on the Broadway stage all the way back in 1961 when he starred in Roots. His...
- 8/29/2016
- E! Online
Willy Wonka star and all-round comedy great Jerome Silberman – better known to you and I as the inimitable Gene Wilder – has passed away following complications from Alzheimer’s disease. He was 83.
Wilder’s nephew, Jordan Walker-Pearlman, confirmed that the stage and screen icon had died at his home in Stamford, Connecticut on Monday, August 29. Wilder had been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma back in 1989. Further details are not currently available at this time.
Before landing his defining role as the title character in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Gene Wilder enjoyed his screen debut through the Armstrong Circle Theatre TV series. That was in ’62, before holding a bit-part in Bonnie and Clyde five years later; it wasn’t until 1968, however, that Wilder made his first major breakthrough with the Leopold Bloom film.
What followed was a string of landmark collaborations with two writer-directors: Richard Pryor and Mel Brooks. The...
Wilder’s nephew, Jordan Walker-Pearlman, confirmed that the stage and screen icon had died at his home in Stamford, Connecticut on Monday, August 29. Wilder had been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma back in 1989. Further details are not currently available at this time.
Before landing his defining role as the title character in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Gene Wilder enjoyed his screen debut through the Armstrong Circle Theatre TV series. That was in ’62, before holding a bit-part in Bonnie and Clyde five years later; it wasn’t until 1968, however, that Wilder made his first major breakthrough with the Leopold Bloom film.
What followed was a string of landmark collaborations with two writer-directors: Richard Pryor and Mel Brooks. The...
- 8/29/2016
- by Michael Briers
- We Got This Covered
Gene Wilder, the leading man with the comic flair and frizzy hair known for teaming with Mel Brooks on the laugh-out-loud masterpieces The Producers, Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein, has died, his family announced. He was 83. The two-time Oscar nominee also starred as a quirky candy man in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971) and in four films alongside stand-up legend Richard Pryor. Wilder's nephew, Jordan Walker-Pearlman, said that the actor died Sunday night at home in Stamford, Conn., after a three-year battle with Alzheimer's disease. "The decision to wait until this
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- 9/30/2015
- by Mike Barnes and Duane Byrge
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
NEW YORK -- Zeze Gamboa's The Hero was named best feature at the ninth annual Urbanworld Film Festival in New York, which announced winners Monday in its feature, documentary, short film, screenplay and music video categories. The Hero, about a war vet who loses his prosthetic leg, brought together a film production team from Angola, Portugal and France. Best feature-length documentary went to Jonathan Hock's Through the Fire, which tells the story of young hoop dreamers, and best short docu went to Sasha Isaac-Young's Foster Stories. Best short was awarded to Enrique Arroyo's The Other American Dream, best music video went to Len Peterson's Keep on Moving, Andre Wiggins received the best screenplay prize for Holy Shyster, and the Audience Award winner was Jordan Walker-Pearlman's Constellation.
- 6/28/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
On the One, starring Patti LaBelle and Eartha Kitt, will close the 13th annual Pan African Film and Arts Festival, and Constellation, directed by Jordan Walker-Pearlman and starring Billy Dee Williams, Gabrielle Union and Hill Harper, will have its world premiere as the festival's centerpiece. Lackawanna Blues will open the fest, to be held Feb. 10-21. Other highlights include a special screening of MGM's Beauty Shop, starring Queen Latifah; Wolfe Video's Brother to Brother; and Lions Gate's Diary of a Mad Black Woman. The 12-day event, which will screen 150 films, will be at the Magic Johnson Theatres, 4020 Marlton Ave., Los Angeles; and the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza.
- 1/22/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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