The world is accustomed to mourning the deaths of cultural icons like Marlon Brando, James Dean and Elvis Presley. Now we all cry a chocolate river because yet another icon has passed. On Aug. 29, actor Gene Wilder joined the list of luminaries who have passed on. The actor was famous for many roles but none was more indelibly etched into the minds of North Atlanta students than that of Wilder’s embodiment of title role in the 1971 musical-comedy classic, “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.”

Should we mourn? Perhaps. Or maybe we’ll follow the examples of movie characters Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt. They always pursued the sweet side of life (and Wonka’s factory). Let us, too, sweetly recall the star-studded comedic career of Gene Wilder.

He first appeared in the blockbuster 1967 film “Bonnie and Clyde.” Shortly after, he starred in “The Producers,” a comedy film depicting an attempt to create Broadway flops for more profit. It was that role that launched his career into major cinematic fame. “In terms of film and comedy, I feel Gene Wilder had it all,” said film teacher Louis Alfred. “Along the lines of famous actors like Charlie Chaplin, he was truly a legend.”

After first striking it big, the hits kept coming for the versatile Wilder. He went on to act and star in his three most famous movies: “Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory,” “Blazing Saddles” and “Young Frankenstein.” Not only have two of these movies contended in the top 15 greatest comedy movies of all time according the American Film Institute, all three are praised for their screenwriting, acting proficiency, and comedic element as an American classic.

Wilder continued to act in hit movies until his career ended in 2000. Following the end of the millennium, Wilder fulfilled his American dream by completing his career and lived out the rest of his days happily with his wife, Karen Boyer.

Wilder reached the pinnacle of his profession. He gave us – to use his phrase – a world of “Pure Imagination.” An inspiration to many, he leaves us as a significant cultural comedic legend. In the famous words of the iconic actor, “Time is a precious thing. Never waste it.” Goodbye to you, Mr. Wilder. Goodnight, Willy Wonka.