Did you know Gene Wilder graduated from this Iowa university?

Gene Wilder, the star of "Willy Wonka" and Mel Brooks comedies, is dead at 83, The Associated Press reported.Wilder is a graduate of the University of Iowa. He has a B.A. in Communication and Theatre Arts in 1955.Wilder's nephew told the wire service that the actor and writer died late Sunday from complications from Alzheimer's disease.Wilder starred in such comedy classics as "Young Frankenstein" and "Blazing Saddles," as well as the children's classic, "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory."The University of Iowa reported that in 2001 Wilder and his brother-in-law and co-author Gil Pearlman donated a significant collection of scripts, correspondence, film memorabilia, and photographs to Special Collections at the UI Libraries, including a draft of Young Frankenstein.Wilder's successful career and his selfless and heartfelt work in supporting cancer patients and cancer research have clearly made him one of the UI's most valued and beloved graduates, the university said.

Gene Wilder, the star of "Willy Wonka" and Mel Brooks comedies, is dead at 83, The Associated Press reported.

Wilder is a graduate of the University of Iowa. He has a B.A. in Communication and Theatre Arts in 1955.


Wilder's nephew told the wire service that the actor and writer died late Sunday from complications from Alzheimer's disease.

Wilder starred in such comedy classics as "Young Frankenstein" and "Blazing Saddles," as well as the children's classic, "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory."

The University of Iowa reported that in 2001 Wilder and his brother-in-law and co-author Gil Pearlman donated a significant collection of scripts, correspondence, film memorabilia, and photographs to Special Collections at the UI Libraries, including a draft of Young Frankenstein.

Wilder's successful career and his selfless and heartfelt work in supporting cancer patients and cancer research have clearly made him one of the UI's most valued and beloved graduates, the university said.