Denise Nickerson, known for her iconic role as Violet Beauregarde in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, has passed away.
The actor died in hospital at around 10.30pm on Wednesday Colorado time, her family confirmed to TMZ.
Her death comes after earlier reports that Nickerson had been taken her off of life support, and she was reportedly ‘living out the last moments of her life’.
The former child actor had suffered a stroke last year, and according to her family, ‘got into her meds at home and took as many as she could. Her family came to check on her shortly thereafter and rushed her to the ER’ says TMZ.
Nickerson’s health worsened whilst in hospital.
After being diagnosed with pneumonia, the 62-year-old suffered a ‘massive seizure’ and doctors put Denise on life support.
Denise leaves behind her only son, Joshua Nickerson, and daughter-in-law, her primary caretakers.
In her memory, her heartbroken family has set up a GoFundMe to help pay for death expenses, including honouring ‘Denise’s last wishes of being cremated, and her ashes turned into glass artwork’.
They wrote:
We are Denise’s only immediate family and caretakers. Last year, you may have heard that Denise suffered a severe stroke that caused extreme damage. It’s been a long, hard year, and we have been with her and caring for her every day since then.
We will miss our Mom/Neecers. We’re sorry you couldn’t meet your granddaughter. We love you.
Most will remember Nickerson’s legendary role as the gum-chewing Violet Beauregard on the classic film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971).
After stints in some sixties and seventies sitcoms and movies, including an episode of the Brady Bunch and 1960s vampire drama, Dark Shadows, Nickerson left acting to pursue a career as a nurse.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.
L’Oréal Blackett is a freelance journalist, broadcaster, and presenter with a lot of hair and a lot to say. A former digital magazine editor covering women’s issues and local news, she now works for a range of media publications including BBC Radio Manchester, Bumble and of course, UNILAD.