Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory graced our screens back in August 1971, with the film quickly becoming a family favourite across the world.

The iconic film tells the story of young Charlie Bucket and his grandfather winning a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the mysterious Wonka chocolate factory and meet the eccentric confectioner, Willy Wonka, in the flesh.

It was later remade in 2005 by Tim Burton, and now, a new prequel, titled Wonka, has been released with Hollywood star Timothee Chalamet taking on the role of Willy Wonka.

With the original film, based on Roald Dahl's beloved book, having been released over half a century ago, many of the actors have now passed away, including Gene Wilder – the first actor to ever play Willy Wonka.

Gene Wilder

Gene Wilder brought Roald Dahl's beloved character Willy Wonka to life and his portrayal of the mysterious, eccentric chocolate factory owner is widely considered to be the best – it even earned him a Golden Globe nomination.

Gene, also known for his roles in The Producers, Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein and Stir Crazy, was a comic genius.

He sadly passed away in August 2016 at 83 years old after privately battling Alzheimer's for the last three years of his life. His nephew shared that Wilder kept his illness a secret to protect the image of Willy Wonka for young fans.

Denise Nickerson

Denise Nickerson was only 13 when she played Violet Beauregarde, who famously turned into a giant blueberry after stealing experimental gum in the factory.

She went on to appear in other TV programmes like The Brady Bunch, The Electric Company and Dark Shadows. Denise then decided to leave acting behind in 1978 when she was just 21, and spent most of her life away from the limelight, working as a receptionist and an accountant in a doctor's office.

Tragically, Denise had a stroke in June 2018 and later passed away in 2019 at the age of 62.

Jack Albertson

Jack Albertson was a highly successful actor, known for playing Grandpa Joe in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

He won a Tony, Oscar and Emmy Award during the course of his career, with his acting credits including The Poseidon Adventure and Chico and the Man.

Jack passed away aged 74 in November 1981 after battling colon cancer.

Roy Kinnear

Roy Kinnear portrayed Henry Salt – father of Veruca Salt – in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

The Lancashire-born actor boasted an impressive career, with his acting credits including The Beatles' Help!, How I Won the War, The Hill, The Dick Emery Show, George and Mildred and many more.

Roy starred in 1973 film The Three Musketeers, but when he returned to film the sequel – The Return of the Musketeers, released in 1989 – tragedy struck. He was thrown from a horse and suffered a broken pelvis and internal bleeding.

Having been rushed to hospital, Roy died the following day after suffering a fatal heart attack. Aged just 54, he left behind his wife Carmel Cryan, who has starred in EastEnders, and three children – Rory, Karina and Kirsty.

Angelo Muscat

Angelo Muscat played one of the ten Oompah Loompahs in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

Prior to his role in the iconic film, he starred in Doctor Who and The Prisoner, as well as a 1966 adaptation of Alice in Wonderland.

Angelo passed away aged 47 from pneumonia in October 1977.

Günter Meisner

German actor Günter Meisner portrayed rival confectionary maker Arthur Slugworth in Willy Wonk and the Chocolate Factory, with the villainous character seeking to find out Wonka's secrets.

Günter appeared in English, German and French speaking films, such as Is Paris Burning?, The Quiller Memorandum, and Funeral in Berlin. He appeared in over 100 productions throughout his career along with several more stage roles in theatre productions.

In December 1994, Günter died of heart failure aged 66 while filming an episode of a German TV series. He was buried in Berlin's famous Friedhof Heerstraße Cemetery which also has graves of other famous Germans including Olympian Walter Volle, politician Hermann Scheer, and Schindler's List actor Hans-Michael Rehberg.

Tim Brooke-Taylor

Comedian and actor Tim Brooke-Taylor had an uncredited role in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. He played a computer scientist who thought he had figured out how to help people find the golden tickets hidden in Wonka chocolate bars.

Tim appeared in other TV shows and films, such as The Goodies, Heartbeat and hit BBC soap Doctors.

In April 2020, Tim passed away from complications caused by Coronavirus at the age of 79.

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