Mel Brooks Says He Misses Being Able to Call Gene Wilder

Actor and director Mel Brooks on Tuesday mourned the loss of Gene Wilder during an appearance on The Tonight Show, lamenting the fact that he’ll never be able to call his close friend again.

Brooks told the show’s host, Jimmy Fallon, that he knew Wilder was “sick” and that he expected his friend would pass soon — but that he was still shaken when he learned of the death. “When it happens, it’s still tremendous. It’s a big shock,” Brooks said. “I’m still reeling from that — no more Gene. I can’t call him. I can’t. He was such a wonderful part of my life.”

Wilder, who often collaborated with Brooks and starred in the director’s films, died Sunday from complications stemming from Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Associated Press. The Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory actor was 83.