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'Willy Wonka' Director Mel Stuart Dead At 83

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Mel Stuart, the director of "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory," has died at the age of 83.

Stuart died Thursday night from cancer in his Los Angeles-area home, a family member said.

Singer Whitney Houston performs
(credit: STEFFI LOOS/AFP/Getty Images)

He is also known for directing "Four Days in November," "Two is a Happy Number," and "Welcome Back, Kotter," among other films and documentaries.

Stuart won four Emmy Awards and was nominated for an Oscar.

He was born on Sept. 2, 1928, in New York City.

Stuart is survived by three children.

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