Gene Wilder lived a "very private" life.
Gene Wilder
Carol Kane - who acted alongside the late star, who passed away on Monday (29.08.16) aged 83, in 1977 movie 'The World's Greatest Lover' - has insisted people were "lucky" to have known such a talented actor, and admitted he didn't crave the spotlight.
She said: "It wasn't a showbiz life. It was very private. But what a great, great life he led. We're all so lucky to have known him in whatever way that we did."
The 64-year-old actress praised the star, who also directed their comedy movie, for being "very unique" and "brave" and insisted he was a "generous" filmmaker.
She added to The Hollywood Reporter: "He was very beloved by his crew. There was an incredible triumvirate of comedians that hung out together at that time that I was privileged to be around and that was Dom Deluise, Gene and Mel Brooks.
"They were special guys to know and wildly different from each other, yet had creativity that married well. He was very unique and very brave. And generous as a director."
Gene died at his home in Stamford, Connecticut from complications from Alzheimer's disease.
He gave his last major public interview to Turner Classic Movies presenter Robert Osborne on June 12, 2013.
During the chat, the legendary actor admitted he was put off starring in several movies because there was so much swearing in them.
He said: "I didn't want to do ones where it's just bombing and loud and swearing. So much swearing going on.
"If someone says 'Ah, go f**k yourself,' well, if it came from a meaningful place, I'd understand it. But if you go to some movies, can't they just stop and talk, just talk, instead of swearing? That put me off a lot."
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