Gene Wilder, star of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory has died, aged 83, his family has said.

Wilder's nephew said that the actor and writer died earlier this month in Stamford, Connecticut, from complications from Alzheimer's disease.

For many Wilder will be fondly remembered as the charismatic Willy Wonka in the musical adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic.

Wilder was a comedic genius and master at playing madcap characters in hit Mel Brooks films such as Young Frankenstein and Blazing Saddles.

Brooks, who also directed the actor in classic comedy The Producers, led tributes to the actor hailing him "one of the truly great talents of our time".

British comedian Ricky Gervais tweeted "Good Day Sir" in tribute to the actor as news of his death emerged.