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Famed Actor Gene Wilder Dead at 83
Gene Wilder, known for his starring roles in “Willy Wonka” and “Blazing Saddles” passed away at the age of 83 due to complications Alzheimer’s disease. Wilder’s nephew confirmed the news to the Associated Press. He was diagnosed in 1999 with non-Hodgkins lymphoma, which was treated with stem cell transplants and radiation. Wilder starred alongside late actor Richard Pryor in a host of movies, including “Stir Crazy,” “See No Evil, Hear No Evil,” and “Blazing Saddles,” cementing themselves as a powerhouse comedic duo. Aside from “Blazing Saddles,” Gene in several Mel Brooks movies, including “The Producers,” which nabbed him an Oscar nomination. Wilder is survived by his wife, Karen, whom he…
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Lee Daniels Drops Out of Richard Pryor Biopic
Oscar nominated filmmaker Lee Daniels became the barer of bad news Sunday, May 9, when it was announced that he was abandoning his role at the helm of the long anticipated Richard Pryor biopic. Sources for the 56-year-old executive producer of Fox‘s “Empire” cited scheduling difficulties as the reason he will be side stepping the project. Past Daniels production partner, the Weinstein Company, have confirmed that they are in search of replacement to begin shooting on the film in October. The making of a biopic on the legendary Pryor has been in the works for over a decade, dating back to the comedian’s own participation in the prospective flick before…
