Gene Wilder's family shares heartbreaking reason he kept Alzheimer's battle secret

When news of Gene Wilder's death due to complications from Alzheimer's disease broke overnight, few knew that he'd even been battling the illness.

And the late actor's nephew Jordan Walker-Pearlman has revealed that's exactly the way he wanted it, sharing that Gene purposely kept his condition secret because he didn't want to ruin the character of Willy Wonka for his young fans.

“It is with indescribable sadness and blues, but with spiritual gratitude for the life lived that I announce the passing of husband, parents and universal artist Gene Wilder at his home in Stamford, Connecticut," Jordan said in a statement.

“It is almost unbearable for us to contemplate our life without him.”

RELATED: Gene Wilder, star of ‘Blazing Saddles’ and ‘Willy Wonka’, dies at 83
RELATED: Celebrities pay tribute to Gene Wilder

“We understand all the emotional and physical challenges this situation presented we have been among the lucky ones - this illness-pirate, unlike in so many cases, never stole his ability to recognise those that were closest to him, nor took command of his central-gentle-life affirming core personality," he continued.

"The decision to wait until this time to disclose his condition wasn’t vanity, but more so that the countless young children that would smile or call out to him “there’s Willy Wonka,” would not have to be then exposed to an adult referencing illness or trouble and causing delight to travel to worry, disappointment or confusion.

"He simply couldn’t bear the idea of one less smile in the world."

The Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory star tragically passed away at his home in Stamford, Connecticut earlier this month.

During his illustrious career, Gene - who was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 1989 - was best known for his roles in The Producers and Blazing Saddles.

But it was with Young Frankenstein where Gene particularly shined, co-penning the 1974 film with his friend Mel Brooks.

Gene is survived by his wife Karen Boyer and daughter Katharine, with ex-wife Mary Joan Schute.

PHOTOS: 10 of the darkest but most fabulous moments from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

Want more celebrity, entertainment and lifestyle news? Follow Be on Facebook,Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr and Instagram