Mel-Stuart-Obituary

Mel Stuart

Obituary

NEW YORK (AP) - Mel Stuart's family says the award-winning documentary filmmaker who also directed "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" has died.

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."


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Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

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...


I'm really happy to know about you.

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.

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.

Love , Strength and Hugs
To Madeline, Peter and Andrew


Love Bonnie & Dave Larson
Henderson & Larson Families

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

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

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

Willy Wonka will always live on.