I will miss Willy Wonka.

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I just read an article where the author wrote that Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka became his idealized male role model. His own father was in prison and, at home, there were no real males to look up to for life's guidance. I felt very much the same way as he did, but from a female perspective. I wanted a man in my life like Willy Wonka - someone who respected children, allowed them their thoughts but who also allowed them to suffer the consequences of their misdeeds. He didn't tolerate greed or gluttony, but left it to natural consequences to resolve the problem. I loved the respect he had for Charley and how he was able to learn so much about him through observation rather than examining him (questions, exams, tests, etc.) He wanted the right person in his (or her) natural state. I envied Charley for both his ultimately being chosen and for his grandfather's gentleness. Even when Gene played other characters, there was a thread of Wonka visible. And, for me, that meant there was more of Gene in Wonka than the other way around. Here is the article if you're interested: