Mel Brooks Emotionally Discusses Gene Wilder’s Death: ‘It’s A Big Shock’

The world is still adjusting to the devastating news that Gene Wilder died at the age of 83 earlier this week.

But to help us through this grieving process, Gene Wilder’s old friend and frequent collaborator Mel Brooks has emerged to speak glowingly about the legendary screen presence, while at the same time emotionally discussing just how much he’ll miss him.

The 83-year-old comedy icon appeared on ‘The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon’ on Wednesday night, and as soon as Wilder’s name was mentioned by the host Brooks let out an almighty heart-wrenching sigh.

“I expected he would go, but, I don’t know, when it happens it’s still tremendous, it’s a big shock,” Mel Brooks added. “I’m still reeling from no more Gene. I can’t call him. He was such a wonderful part of my life.”

Mel Brooks then recalled how he first met Wilder when he was performing in ‘Mother Courage’ opposite Brook’s late wife Anne Brancoft, and they quickly became close friends.

In fact, when Wilder asked Brooks why audiences kept on laughing at his performance in the play, Brooks recalled that he hilariously responded with, “Look in the mirror, blame it on God.”

At first this led to Wilder playing Leo Bloom in ‘The Producers’, which provoked Wilder to tears when Brooks told him he was cast, but then continued with ‘Blazing Saddles’ and ‘Young Frankenstein’.

Each of these are widely agreed to be three of the funniest films of all time, and are the perfect antidote to those of you that are still feeling blue about Gene Wilder’s passing.

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[Images via NBC & Warner Bros.]