UsAgainstAlzheimer’s Statement on the Passing of Legendary Artist Gene Wilder from Complications Related to Alzheimer’s Disease

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WASHINGTON, DC, August 29, 2016—Following the passing of an artist who brought smiles and laughter to millions of all ages, UsAgainstAlzheimer’s recognizes the life and accomplishments of Gene Wilder, extends its condolences to his family and notes that this is another reminder of the urgent need to defeat a disease that continues to rob households, communities and our society of too many treasured individuals.

Wilder was best known for his work in movies such as “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” “Blazing Saddles,” “Young Frankenstein” and “The Producers.” His collaborations with fellow artists such as Mel Brooks and Richard Pryor produced iconic roles that will be enjoyed and cherished for generations.

His family, in a formal statement, said that Wilder was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s three years ago, but chose to keep his health status private. The family said this was because children still frequently recognized him as Willy Wonka, and he couldn’t bear the idea of any confusion or distress he might display causing “one less smile in the world.”

“We are deeply saddened today to lose one of the great names in comedy to a disease that is a continuing, worsening tragedy,” said Trish Vradenburg, co-founder and Vice Chair of UsAgainstAlzheimer’s. “We must continue to press for progress in preventing, treating and, ultimately, curing a disease that subtracts joy from our lives, whether on the stage, the screen or in our own living rooms.” 

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UsAgainstAlzheimer’s (UsA2) is an innovative non-profit organization demanding – and delivering – a solution to Alzheimer’s. Driven by the suffering of millions of families, UsAgainstAlzheimer’s presses for greater urgency from government, industry and the scientific community in the quest for an Alzheimer's cure – accomplishing this through effective leadership, collaborative advocacy and strategic investments.

Founded in 2010, UsAgainstAlzheimer’s has worked across sectors to: (1) secure the national goal of preventing and effectively treating Alzheimer’s by 2025 and help secure nearly $500 million in additional public funding for Alzheimer’s research over the past few years; (2) drive global efforts that resulted in the leaders of the world’s most powerful nations, the G7 group, to embrace a similar 2025 goal and to call for greater levels of research investment and collaboration; and (3) forge industry commitments to improve efficiencies for an expedited drug discovery and approval process.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Tim Tassa

Phone: 202-263-2580

Email: [email protected]