In a tribute to Gene Wilder, the movies' first Willy Wonka, LIFE presents a lavishly illustrated commemorative edition. This special issue highlights Wilder's indelible, career-defining roles and traces his life from his childhood in Milwaukee through his marriage to and loss of Saturday Night Live star Gilda Radner and beyond:

Behind the scenes at Willy Wonka's chocolate factory, and why Wonka remains such an enduring film for children

Inside Young Frankenstein, Blazing Saddles, and The Producers and Wilder's partnership with director Mel Brooks

How Wilder and Richard Pryor created comedic gold on screen

Gilda Radner, Wilder's beloved late wife, in her own words