ATLANTA -- As the world mourns the loss of Gene Wilder, known for making people laugh in funny films like Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein, a local school is looking back on the time the legendary actor spent time with their students.
Wilder stopped at HIES back in Nov. 2011 to visit his step-grandson, whom officials did not identify over privacy concerns, and speak with first graders about acting and the importance of practice.
During his visit, Wilder signed autographs and passed out hugs to the enthusiastic audience made up of young kids. He told the students that he had first begun acting in junior-high plays and that he learned his lines for Willy Wonka one filming day at a time, and that the only way to get into movies is to "PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE."
While there, he also shared secrets with them about the sugary props -- did you know that the "Everlasting Gobstopper" was actually not a jawbreaker, but more like a gumdrop and some of the candy was actually wax -- and what his favorite moments of filming were.
Officials with the school shared information about the visit with 11Alive after news of the actor's death broke. The school took to social media today in honor of the sweet moments he shared with the students.
Remembering Gene Wilder and his visit to HIES in 2011. @PaulBarton_68 @NorthsideNbr @Reporter_News @JenBrettAJC pic.twitter.com/zKJLkHXMZ2
— Holy Innocents' (@HIESbears) August 29, 2016
Wilder, who died as a result of Alzheimer's, was 83 years old.