Mel Brooks, Steve Martin, more pay tribute to Gene Wilder

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The life and times of Gene Wilder

A chance meeting with Mel Brooks turned him into a leading man

LOS ANGELES – Tributes from peers and admirers poured in Monday for Gene Wilder, who died Sunday at the age of 83 of complications from Alzheimer's disease.

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"Gene Wilder, one of the truly great talents of our time, is gone. He blessed every film we did together with his special magic and he blessed my life with his friendship. He will be so missed." --- Director Mel Brooks in a statement

"Goodbye, Gene Wilder. You were one of the great screen comedians. Original and surprising every time." ---Steve Martin on Twitter

"#GeneWilder Au revoir to a gifted actor whose films I suggest you re-visit if you want to be thoroughly entertained." ---Carl Reiner on Twitter

"Gene Wilder was a giant of comedy. His legacy of films is inspiring. A true genius." ---Billy Crystal on Twitter

"Gene Wilder was one of the funniest and sweetest energies ever to take a human form. If there's a heaven he has a Golden Ticket." ---Actor Jim Carrey on Twitter

"RIP to the legend Gene Wilder, keep it classy." ---Comedian Will Ferrell on Twitter

"A moment of silence for the master of the comedic pause. Gene Wilder: funny doing something & funny doing nothing." --- Director Edgar Wright on Twitter

"'Good Day Sir!' RIP Gene Wilder" ---Comedian Ricky Gervais on Twitter

"Thank you Gene Wilder for all that you've given us. You'll be missed." ---The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Twitter

"R.I.P. Gene Wilder. Please hug Gilda for me."---Producer and writer Alan Zweibel on Facebook

"A man who lit up the world with his joy and genius. I can't say what it meant to act with him and get to know his heart." ---Actress Debra Messing on Twitter

"Gene Wilder touched my life, my heart and my funny bone with his unique and genius work. May he rest with peace and joy." ---Actor Jason Alexander on Twitter

"I saw Blazing Saddles 7 times at the cinema with my school friends. George St. Cows outside. Gene Wilder you were a genius."--- Actor Russell Crowe on Twitter

"Bless you for all these years of laughter and love, such warmth and humanity. Thank you, thank you, thank you #GeneWilder" ---Film Critic Leonard Maltin on Twitter

"GENE WILDER, the face of childhood joy for many a generation, has passed. Farewell, sweet genius. Gilda awaits you." ---Director Kevin Smith on Twitter

"Gene Wilder acted at a different frequency than any other. He was always a moment away from tenderness or hysteria. What an original." ---Actor Alan Tudyk on Twitter

"Thank you Gene Wilder for the wonderful, the weird, the pure imagination. One of my greatest heroes." ---Singer Josh Groban on Twitter

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

"The genius, the talent, the actor, the original, the artist, the storyteller, the creative, the iconic, the great, great, great Gene Wilder." ---Actress Uzo Aduba on Twitter