Obituary

Condescending Wonka took a 1971 publicity still of Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka, leaning in with a knowing smile, and gave the internet its definitive 'oh, sweetie' face. The format was brutal: 'You actually thought that was a good idea? Cute.' It was the patronizing older sibling of Futurama Fry — where Fry was confused, Wonka was superior. It died in 2014, but its spirit lives on in every 'bless your heart' ever typed. Gene Wilder died in 2016, and the internet briefly stopped smiling with his face out of respect. The smirk returned. It always returns.

Born

2012

Died

2014

Cause of death

Died of politely explaining

Last sighting

A 1971 film still, restored, 2014

Resting place

Section D, Row 8

Category

photo