10 Things You Didn't Know About Gene Wilder

10. He Was Responsible For Willy Wonka's Iconic Entrance

One of the most memorable moments in 1971's Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory is the first appearance of the man himself. Wonka, seemingly frail and leaning on a cane, exits the factory to greet his visitors. After limping towards the crowd he drops his cane, stops and falls forward into a tumble, much to the delight of everyone watching.

It's a fantastic scene, one for which Wilder himself was actually responsible. Before accepting the role as the enigmatic titan of confectionery, Wilder told director Mel Stuart about his idea for the scene.

When questioned as to its relevance, Wilder replied that “Because from that time on, no one will know if I’m lying or telling the truth.” It's a comparatively brief moment in the film, but it absolutely lends the character of Wonka a strange sense of mystery, something Wilder clearly realised was important.