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Am I being overly-dramatic when I say 2016 sucks? Gene Wilder with his wonderful talent, great sense of humor, and gentle soul, is the latest icon who has passed away. While the majority of us never had the pleasure of meeting him, he was someone who we felt as though we knew. Even more devastating is the news that he died from complications of Alzheimer’s. But his nephew provided some small comfort in his statement today saying in part that they were lucky that Gene never lost his ability to recognize those closest to him. As to the reason why his illness wasn’t made public his nephew said: “The decision to wait until this time to disclose his condition wasn’t vanity, but more so that 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 one less smile in the world.” Gene Wilder was a class act right to the end.
lkeke35 said:
Indeed he was. I re- edited my post on Gene to reflect my thoughts about his life and work.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’ll go check it out!
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The Shameful Narcissist said:
No, you’re absolutely not being dramatic or I share your level of drama; this year sucks. I thought 2015 was bad, but 2016 seems hellbent on topping that 😦
My email signature has been “We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of the dreams” for probably a decade now because of him. That line has gotten me through so many rough patches when rejection and critiques broke me down. It’s something I always try to remember. This is a sad, sad day ;_;
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Oh gosh. I absolutely love that quote!
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jowensauthor said:
Such sad news. I’ve always liked him, especially as Willy Wonka but also in the Mel Brooks movies. So sad to know he had Alzheimer’s but happy he was able to continue to recognize people. He was such a great guy and will be greatly missed.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Mel Brooks sent out a really touching tweet that brought tears to my eyes. 😢
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Tosha Michelle said:
Aww man!! Sad to read this
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I have to admit, I cried.😢
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Tosha Michelle said:
I don’t blame you. It’s a great loss
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thesarahdoughty said:
It’s been a rough year.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Sigh.😢
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theipc said:
The best!!
So tired! Loved this man!
“YoungFrankensteinForever
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I cried. I couldn’t help it.😢
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theipc said:
Me too.. so sad….
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
#hugs
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Carrie said:
I saw about his passing earlier and just thought no, not someone else! This has certainly been a rather tough year. 😦
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Between terrorist attacks, favorite icons passing, and Trump, I can’t wait for this year to be finished.😞
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Carrie said:
Haha I don’t like touching politics with a ten foot pole but in this year’s case I’m with Brewster… None of the Above!
Unfortunately though as we get older so do our favorite celebs so it’s understandable to keep losing so many we’ve loved for years, still depressing though each time you hear of one. 😦
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Yep. I’m not a fan of either. I think it’s going to be a case of which is the lesser of two evils.
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vinnieh said:
What is it with this year and so many famous people leaving us? 2016 is in need of a fixer upper. Sad to here about Wilder’s death.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I know. I really can’t wait for this year to be over.😞
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vinnieh said:
The sooner this year is over the better.
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Anne said:
No drama at all, I even shed a tear when I heard the news last night :(. My mother has Alzheimer’s as well. 2016 has been a crappy year in all kinds of ways so far, but…here’s to 2017 being a lot better! *chugs Fizzy lemonade*
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’m so sorry about your mom Anne.😞 Here’s to a better forthcoming year indeed!🙋🏻
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Anne said:
My mom is a worry factor, but my dad started his first round of chemo last week, so that’s the real horror at the moment :(. Hence, hoping 2017 will bring better health. And shiny new books of course. Lots of’em 😉
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Oh Gosh. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
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Anne said:
Thank you Kim! ❤ Blogging and meeting fabulous people such as yourself have really helped with taking my mind off things! 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Aww!☺️ Thank you Anne. I feel the same way!
Hugs!
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Anne said:
*hugs* :3
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Lisa said:
Heartbreaking. I love him so much. I always think of Gilda Radner’s early death when I think of Gene Wilder. Two such talented, funny, wonderful people.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It’s funny because even though he hadn’t made a movie in 25 years, we all have such fond memories.
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writerchristophfischer said:
He will be missed. 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
So much!😢
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Heena Rathore P. said:
I hate 2016 too. We lost so many great souls this horrific year that really want it to end soon.
RIP, Mr. Wilder. You’ll always be missed 😥
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
2017 can’t come too soon.😕
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Heena Rathore P. said:
😦
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