"Whimsical, heartfelt and loyal...unlike anyone I've ever known"

The actor Gene Wilder has passed away at the age of 83. He was probably best known for playing the crazy chocolate maker Willy Wonka in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

He also starred in films like See no Evil, Hear No Evil, Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein.

Someone who knew him well was David Saltzer. He's the un-credited co-writer of the original Willy Wonka film and worked with Wilder closely. He's been speaking to the BBC's Paul Hawkins about the two-time Oscar-nominated actor.

(Photo: Gene Wilder in character as Willy Wonka. Credit: Everett/Rex/Shuttershock)