Gene Wilder's 'Willy Wonka' And 'Blazing Saddles' Back In Theaters This Weekend
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- AMC Theaters nationwide are bringing a few of Gene Wilder's most beloved films back to theaters this weekend.
The theater chain announced Thursday that audiences can catch "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory'' and "Blazing Saddles'' this Saturday and Sunday evening at 55 participating AMC locations.
Wilder died Sunday at age 83 of complications from Alzheimer's disease.
This is the latest theatrical response to a notable death. Earlier this year, "Purple Rain'' came back to theaters after Prince's death. Many of the showings sold out quickly.
Tickets, which are going for $5 per showing, and location information are available on AMC's website.
Wilder started his acting career on the stage, but millions knew him from his work in the movies, especially his collaborations with Mel Brooks on "The Producers," "Blazing Saddles" and "Young Frankenstein."
"One of the truly great talents of our time," Mel Brooks tweeted. "He blessed every film we did with his magic & he blessed me with his friendship."
Gene Wilder-One of the truly great talents of our time. He blessed every film we did with his magic & he blessed me with his friendship.
— Mel Brooks (@MelBrooks) August 29, 2016
Other celebrities also paid their respects on Twitter and the news of Wilder's death broke Monday.
A man who lit up the world with his joy and genius. I can't say what it meant to act with him and get to know his heart. ❤️RIP #GeneWilder
— Debra Messing✍???? (@DebraMessing) August 29, 2016
Gene Wilder was one of the funniest and sweetest energies ever to take a human form. If there's a heaven he has a Golden Ticket. ;^)
— Jim Carrey (@JimCarrey) August 29, 2016
Gene Wilder was the best.
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) August 29, 2016
RIP to the legendary Gene Wilder. 2016 has been painful so far. pic.twitter.com/7nbqY7Unva
— Zach Braff (@zachbraff) August 29, 2016
I saw Blazing Saddles 7 times at the cinema with my school friends . George St. Cows outside.
— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) August 29, 2016
Gene Wilder you were a genius. Rest in Peace.
(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)