Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory actress Denise Nickerson, best known for her role as Violet Beauregarde in the film classic, has died aged 62, her family said.
The former child star played gum-chewer and golden ticket finder Violet in the 1971 adaptation of Roald Dahl’s bestselling novel, Charlie And The Chocolate Factory.
The US actress, who suffered a severe stroke last year, died after having multiple seizures and being taken off life support.
Her family made the announcement on Facebook with the message, “She’s gone”.
They told US celebrity website TMZ that she died in hospital on Wednesday evening.
Earlier, in a GoFundMe page to request help to cover her “death expenses”, they said Nickerson had pneumonia and several seizures.
And they wrote on Facebook: “They just took off all the equipment. None of it was helping, but making her only more uncomfortable. We’re telling her it’s okay to let go.”
Movie favourite Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory starred Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka.
Nickerson’s character Violet was one of the children, including Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt, Mike Teavee – as well as Charlie Bucket – who get their hands on golden tickets in Wonka Bars.
But when her character ignores factory owner Wonka’s warnings and chews an experimental three-course meal gum, Violet morphs into a large blueberry.
The US actress was also known for her role as Amy Jennings from the 1960s TV vampire drama Dark Shadows.