In Memoriam 2016: Film, Television, Music, Sports, Literature, the Arts…

With 2017 upon us, let’s take one final look back at the luminaries and personalities of the entertainment world who left us in 2016, during a year that seemed more turbulent and taxing than any other in recent memory.

Challenges in the past and challenges ahead, it’s a tough time to live in the world right now with so many changes like a whirling dervish to the senses. While there is much sadness in recognizing and accepting the passing of so many great figures in 2016, it’s the endearing, endless, never-ending fanbase and legacy that will keep each and every one of these names mentioned here (and some are of only cult status, but still enjoy a rabid passionate following as equal as any global figure) alive and well in the consciousness and beyond. In no particular order and apologies in advance if some of your favorites were left off. This was a huge list to go through and what was more painful than compiling this list was the fact that these incredibly talented people are all no longer with us.

In honor of the late Gene Wilder, Fathom Events hosted a one-night one-time-only event in theaters, and Mel Brooks did a live tribute to his friend. This tribute and screening of the 1974 hit Young Frankenstein, happened Wednesday, October 5th at 8:00pm ET/7:00pm CT/5:00pm PT, at over 500 theaters nationwide.

More below.

The world became a little less funny on August 29th when Gene Wilder passed away at the age of 83. Wilder is most remembered for his work with Mel Brooks, first in The Producers (1967) as Leo Bloom, and then for his roles in 1974’s comedy double feature of Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein. Sandwiched in the center of these Brooks’ classics was his spectacular turn as the titular character in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971), directed by Mel Stuart and written by the author of the book, Roald Dahl.

Last weekend, in commemoration of Wilder’s passing, both films were back in select theaters, and my wife and I took my son to see them.

Fathom Events and Twentieth Century Fox are preparing to welcome you back to Transylvania to join Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced “Fronkensteen”) and his crazy cohorts for one more night of mad science and “Puttin’ on the Ritz.” In a special one-night-only event, director Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein is returning to U.S. theaters, Wednesday night, October 5th at 8:00pm ET (7:00pm CT, 6:00pm MT, 5:00pm PT). Brooks will join audiences live from Hollywood. He will be introducing his 1974 classic comedy while touring the Fox lot where much of the filming took place. And of course bring your tissues, as Brooks will be remembering the late great Gene Wilder, the star and co-writer of Young Frankenstein, who passed away on August 29, 2016.

Check out the details about the screening here below.

Gene Wilder, the actor best known for his headlining roles in such films as Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory, Young Frankenstein, Stir Crazy, Blazing Saddles, and The Producers, died today at his at home in Stamford, CT, of complications from Alzheimer’s disease, according to Variety. He had also been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1989.

Wilder was the star of many beloved classics and helped pave the way for “pure imagination” to many of today’s creative artists, whether they are directors, actors, or music performers.

With Steven Spielberg is confirmed to direct two major films: Ernest Cline’s Ready Player One and Roald Dahl’s The BFG. Fans of both novels have already put together their dream cast. The BFG is slated for a July 2016 release, with Ready Player One set for a December 2017 release. While the former has already got its cast, the latter will eventually get to its casting phase.

But a new rumor going around says that Spielberg may want Gene Wilder to come out of retirement to star in one of the two films. More on this story below.

The great Gene Wilder hasn’t acted since 2003 when he was a guest star on the sitcom Will & Grace—a role that won him a Primetime Emmy. But from time to time the 80-year-old still makes appearances and sometimes does interviews, sharing stories of his life and work while continuing to inspiring many.

In 2007 Wilder spoke to Letty Cottin Pogrebin, and from that chat a short animated video was created that you can see below. In the video, Wilder talks about acting (and why he doesn’t do it anymore—though would, if the right role came along), his life and how his mother inspired him to get into acting and making people laugh, and his one change to the Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory script he requested in order for him to take the job.

It’s a wonderful video, and a reminder of why we love and miss Wilder on the screens big and small. Much like Mel Brooks, who Wilder of course worked with many times, you could listen to him tell stories all day long.

Recently on Today, part of the cast of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory reunited almost 40 years after the now-classic fantasy favorite first arrived.

As they note at the beginning of the video, the movie — based on the Roald Dahl children’s book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory — wasn’t all that well-received at first, and it took some time before it started to develop its following, making it technically a cult classic. But now the movie is something many of us grew up watching, and is a near and dear favorite to millions all over the globe.

You can see the video of the Willy Wonka cast reunion by heading on over to the other side now!