Hey guys, Jana here,

Gene Wilder passed away today at the age of 83. He is one of my favorite actors and he elicits a smile from me when I just see his picture. He is neck and neck with Robin Williams for being my favorite comedic actor and his death rocks the film community where he made some of his most lasting contributions.

As a young thespian in the theater, Wilder featured in a production with Anne Bancroft, who was dating Mel Brooks at the time, and what followed was a partnership of comedy that defined the genre. Broadway longstanding hit ‘The Producers‘ from 1967 was the beginning of a huge line of comedies that are timeless staples including ‘Blazing Saddles‘ and ‘Young Frankenstein‘ among them.

Wilder had another partnership that was evident in the films he made,this one with Richard Pryor and the pair starred in ‘Silver Streak‘, ‘Stir Crazy‘, and ‘See No Evil, Hear No Evil‘. He just glows on screen and if you don’t laugh at him, something just might be broken inside you that needs immediate medical attention. I’m keeping the love alive by introducing my kids to his movies and it’s a fantastic to see them experience these classic comedies for the first time.

I will miss you and the laughs you inspired, Mr. Wilder. Thank you.