The long-time film and television director — possibly best known for the 1971 film Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory starring Gene Wilder –suffered from cancer and died at his home in Beverly Hills. He was 83. Stuart began his career as an exec with the Wolper Organization where he made documentaries. In 1965 he received an Academy Award nomination for Four Days In November, a look at the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. A 1973 release, Wattstax — about the Wattstax music festival — won a Golden Globe for Best Documentary. He broadened his efforts to romantic comedy in 1969 with If It’s Tuesday, It Must Be Belgium. Stuart also became a prolific director of TV movies, including The Triangle Factory Fire and Ruby And Oswald. All told, he made more than 180 films and won four Emmies and a Peabody Award.

They don’t make them like Mel Stuart any more, and they don’t make films like Mel Stuart made any more, particularly the documentaries. In his passing we suffer the loss of both. Though I never had the adventure of working with him, we met, spoke, and I had the pleasure and the tutelage of seeing his work. He and the other Wolper University graduates re-shaped the medium.
“If you want to view paradise, simply look around and view it.”
Mel, thank you for “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” and enjoy your view.
R.I.P. Mel Stuart
Oh so long ago we worked with him on a film about Natalie Wood. We were her entourage and followed her all around during the film. It was pretty funny to do this. He was great and full of energy and ideas.
So shines a good deed in a weary world…
RIP, Mel. I worked with Mel years ago. He was tough and demanding. He challenged you to do better work. He could be a tiger. If you stood up to him and did your best, he was a kitten. WILLY WONKA will be his popular legacy, but his documentary work defined him.
Rest in Peace, Mel.
Mel gave me one of my first jobs on a documentary shoot in the desert. He was a screamer but he respected intelligent people who stood up to him. Yes, he could be offensive but he had a good heart and was super supportive. He truly was one of a kind.
I had the opportunity to work with Mel two years ago and cherish the experience. He was a fascinating, brilliant man who deftly balanced ferocity and respect. Even in his 80s, the man was as smart as they come.
Mel and I worked together for several years at the Wolper Organization. He was a very talented man. News of his death saddens me. News of his death saddens me. My thoughts are for his family.
I saw him earlier this year at the Aero Theater in Santa Monica for a special screening of Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory.
You can tell he was a truly decent guy, and it was a real treat that he came out to talk about this great film.
R.I.P.
Watt Stax is one of the greatest documentaries ever made. Really changed my life