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Mel Stuart Obituary
His daughter, Madeline Stuart, said he died Thursday night of cancer at his home in Los Angeles. He was 83.
During the 1960s and 1970s, Stuart and David L. Wolper established a base of West Coast documentary production at a time when New York filmmakers and TV network news dominated the field.
Stuart's dozens of documentary films include three editions of "The Making of the President" and, for PBS' "American Masters," portraits of the artist Man Ray and the director Billy Wilder. Stuart's groundbreaking film "Wattstax" focused on the 1972 music festival and Los Angeles' largely black Watts community in the wake of the 1965 riots.
In 2005, PBS aired "The Hobart Shakespeareans," Stuart's profile of a teacher in inner-city Los Angeles whose fifth-grade class each year performed a play by Wi lliam Shakespeare.
Stuart made "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory," a children's classic starring Gene Wilder, in 1971. His other features include the 1969 comedy, "If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium."
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
36 Entries
Diana Lee
May 13, 2022
I´m a bit late with this, but heartfelt nonetheless. I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Stuart on just one very happy occasion. Leslie Bricusse, who wrote the songs for Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, recommended me to go in and replace the vocal on the song Cheer Uo, Charlie. The film was finished and I simply went into the studio and replaced the actress´ singing. Mr. Stuart was there and was very kind to me. I have a lot of fond memories of that day and am so glad the movie was such a big hit for everyone involved. Rest In Peace, Mr. Stuart, and thank you for sharing your gifts. Diana Lee
aktar zaman
October 2, 2012
I'm really happy to know about you.
Alex Rotaru
August 23, 2012
My deepest feelings for the family's loss. I've worked with Mel since 1999 and made a dozen films with him. His influence on my life is only comparable to my own father's. He will be missed terribly.
Larry Saltzman
August 20, 2012
My condolences. I started working for Mel at Wolper Productions in 1965. My wife Linda Buzzell and I last saw him last Feb. at an IDA event. He was a powerful figure in my life and my memories are vivid. I shall miss our talks we had at IDA events.
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Bonnie Henderson-Larson
August 20, 2012
Love , Strength and Hugs
To Madeline, Peter and Andrew
Love Bonnie & Dave Larson
Henderson & Larson Families
Bonnie Henderson-Larson
August 20, 2012
Madeline Andrew and Peter,
Sorry to hear about your Dad
Wishing you all love and strength at this time
Mel was a great man, and also a wonderful husband to my
Auntie Berta. We will miss them both, but we have many wonderful
memories and pictures to share with each other.
Love and hugs to the Stuart Family, Henderson Family, Mueller Family, Larson Family and Friends
Love Bonnie & David Larson
San Diego, California
August 15, 2012
To the family of mel I am sorry to hear about the loss of this family member and great filmmaker please take hope in John 528 where Jesus promises to do away with it yeah
August 13, 2012
As a director, you were so kind to my daughter who portrayed Laura McBride in the White Lions Movie. You worked magic as a director and father figure. You were so patient in your pursuit to teach her to play chess. You made sure her visit to LA to loop was one of excitement as she toured Rodeo Drive and enjoyed her first trip to Disneyland. You are truly the best and kindest of the Best Generation. May your spirit Rest In Peace.
Lauri Lynn's Mom
David Mayo
August 13, 2012
Willy Wonka will always live on.
L Eng
August 13, 2012
Willy Wonka was one of my favorite movies and Mr. Stuart surely had a talent for reaching a child's heart in a most imaginative way. May it comfort the family and friends of Mel that he will return to the days of his youthful vigor as promised - Job 33:25 and continue to produce movies of this caliber for future generations.
Catelyn Cooke
August 13, 2012
Mel was stern, direct and demanded the very best from his staff. I am a better editor because of him. Thanks Mel.
August 13, 2012
loved his movies rip
S
August 13, 2012
To the family of Mr. Mel Stuart:
May God bless you with peace, comfort and strength during your time of loss.
Praying for you during this time.
Diana Bayn
August 12, 2012
Mel I want to thank you being the director of Willie Wonka and the Choc Factory. I loved that movie and I watch it off and on. You will be missed awful. My prayers are with your family.
August 12, 2012
Willa Wonka . . . dreams do come true.
Thank you
August 11, 2012
May the "God of all comfort" be with you at this time.
Sincerely,
August 11, 2012
We lost a wonderful person and God gained another Friend. I was fortunate to meet Mr. Stuart last October with my Family in New York City. Thank you Mr. Stuart for your fine work, especially my favorite...Willy Wonka. I will watch my favorite film tonight in your Honor. Rest in Peace my Friend. JHD - Livingston, NJ
chris cazzato
August 11, 2012
thank u so much for willywonka,i loved that movie,its a classic may god bless his family.
Margaret
August 11, 2012
To the friends and family of Mr. Mel Stuart. I am sorry for your loss. Mr. Stuart has enter into many homes with his creative work. I for one LOVED Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. I use to wish there was such a place to enjoy the sweets! May you all throw your burden on our Heavenly Father and He will sustain you all through this time.
Cynthia S
August 11, 2012
May the God of comfort and peace be with your dear memories.
August 11, 2012
You made many childhood fantasies come to life.
May the family of Mr. Stuart find comfort in knowing he is in God's memory. (John 5:28)
wdd
August 11, 2012
Stuart Family,
Sympathies are offered to you all. His talent will obviously be greatly missed. May the support and comfort of family, friends and God's word help you during this difficult time. Psalms 46:1 says God is for us a refuge and strength.
The Hayes Family
August 11, 2012
Thanks so much for ( Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory) all time favorite.... I bet my son has watched hundreds of times, honest he is 26, he will watch now for old times... And so his lil girl will love, her Mommy's favorite also...R.I.P. Mr. Stuart...May all your families memories help them with there grief... Condolences to them all... God Bless! Go rest on that mountain you so deserve it...
August 11, 2012
To the the family of Mel Stuart - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that he will be missed by many.
Mary Green
August 10, 2012
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
l p(rev.21:4)
August 10, 2012
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
August 10, 2012
To the Family of Mel Stuart:
Such a sad day to learn that Mel has passed away. Mel and my late husband, David L. Wolper, worked together on so many memorable TV shows and feature films. Mel's contributions to the film industry are many and he will be missed.
Rest in Peace.
Gloria Wolper
renee nelson
August 10, 2012
R.I.P. Mr. Stuart
August 10, 2012
Thank you Mr. Stuart, for "Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory"; it's a brilliant movie featuring the one and only Gene Wilder and the Oompa Loompas. May your family be blessed with memories of your love and creativity. Rest in Peace.
Glen Bragdon
August 10, 2012
I knew both Mel and Roberta for over 25 years. Both was very wonderful people to know and will be miss..
Anna Powell
August 10, 2012
Thank you Mr.Stuart for bringing Willy Wonka to the screen.it is one of the most cherished movies of my childhood.
T B
August 10, 2012
Rest well and thank you so much for the great art you leave behind. I grew up watching Willy Wonka in the 70's whenever it ran on tv. I still watch it occasionally.
August 10, 2012
God bless you ~ R.I.P.
Karen Jablonski
August 10, 2012
RIP
August 10, 2012
My sincere condolence to Mr.Stuart's family
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