On Tuesday, actor and director Mel Brooks made an appearance on The Tonight Show, and discussed his late friend Gene Wilder. While talking with host Jimmy Fallon, Brooks lamented the fact that he will never be able to call his close friend ever again.
Brooks mentioned that he was extremely shaken by Wilder’s death even though he was aware that Wilder was “sick,” and he had expected that he may pass soon. “When it happens, it’s still tremendous,” Brooks explained. “It’s a big shock. I’m still reeling from that – no more Gene. I can’t call him. I can’t. He was such a wonderful part of my life.”
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Brooks often worked together with Wilder on several films such as The Producers, Blazing Saddles, and Young Frankenstein. Wilder even received an Oscar nomination in 1968 for his work in The Producers, where he portrayed the introverted accountant Leo Bloom. Though the duo regularly collaborated on film, they actually met through theater. The pair was introduced in 1963 when Wilder was in a play with Brooks’ then-future wife Anne Bancroft.
The Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory star Gene Wilder died on Sunday after suffering from complications as a result of Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Associated Press. Wilder was 83 years old when he passed away.
At the time of Wilder’s passing, Brooks sent out a tweet that read: “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.”
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
What was your favorite Gene Wilder and Mel Brooks collaboration?
[H/T YouTube: The Tonight Show, TIME]
