UPDATED 4.48PM Gene Wilder, the star of the original Willy Wonka, has passed away at the age of 83.

The comic actor, whose best work included collaborations with director-writer Mel Brooks and actor-comedian Richard Pryor, died at his home in Connecticut, of complications from Alzheimer's disease.

Wilder's nephew, Jordan Walker-Pearlman, said the actor had chosen to keep his illness secret so that children who knew him as Willy Wonka would not equate the whimsical character with an adult disease.

Wilder also starred in Sir Crazy, Young Frankenstein and Blazing Saddles, and was twice nominated for an Oscar.

He was born Jerome Silberman in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1933.

Mel Brooks praised Wilder as one of the truly great talents of our time.

Brooks said on Twitter Wilder blessed every film they did with his magic and blessed him with his friendship.