American actor, Gene Wilder, famously known for his role as Willy Wonka in the film and adapdation to British writer Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” died at the age of 83 surrounded by family members on Monday Aug. 29, 2016 leaving behind the memories of his most iconic roles on the big screen and the most memorable Gene Wilder quotes.

Gene Wilder on Film

The late star was also known for his roles in the 1967 film “The Producers,” thriller parody “Young Frankenstein,” and the film, “Blazing Saddles.” He collaborated with director Mel Brooks in “The Producers,” a film that later became the major starting point of Brooks’ movie directing career.

“He blessed every film we did with his magic and he blessed me with his friendship,” Brooks told CNN.

Others might remember Wilder from the classic social media memes where he poses as “Willy Wonka” in a scene from the film, and sarcastic phrases are written to match the photo.

Gene Wilder ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ Quotes and Other Movies

“Invention, my dear friend, is 93 percent perspiration, 6 percent electricity, 4 percent evaporation and 2 percent butterscotch ripple.” – Willy Wonka in “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”

“The suspense is terrible...I hope it’ll last.” – Willy Wonka in “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”


“Well, my name is Jim, but most people call me...Jim.” – Jim in “Blazing Saddles”


“What did you expect? ‘Welcome sonny’? ‘Make yourself at home’? ‘Marry my daughter’? You’ve got to remember that these are just simple farmers. These are people of the land. The common clay of the new West. You know...morons.” – Jim in “Blazing Saddles”


“No, it’s pronounced ‘Fronkensteen.” – Dr. Frankenstein in “Young Frankenstein”


“Put the candle back!” – Dr. Frankenstein in “Young Frankenstein”


“I’m not going to the toilet. I’m going to the showbiz!” – Leo Bloom in “The Producers”


“I want a bigger cell! With better ventilation!” – Skip Donahue in “Stir Crazy”

Gene Wilder Quotes

Wilder can also be remembered from his quotes he made in real like during interviews throughout his career.

Several of Wilder’s quotes are listed on Brainy Quote such as:

“My favorite author is Anton Chekhov, not so much for the plays but for his short stories, and I think he was really my tutor.”


“So my idea of neurotic is spending too much time trying to correct a wrong. When I feel that I am doing that, then I snap out of it.”