Mel Brooks calls Gene Wilder's death 'a big shock' on 'The Tonight Show'

Mel Brooks remembered his dear friend, the candy man, Gene Wilder, on The Tonight Show Tuesday.

The actor and filmmaker explained to Jimmy Fallon that he knew Wilder was sick, but his passing was still "a big shock."

"I'm still reeling from no more Gene, and (the fact) I can't call him," the Robin Hood: Men in Tights director said. "And, he was such a wonderful part of my life."

The two worked on many films together including Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, and The Producers, a movie that caused Wilder to burst into tears once he learned the project was funded and he would play Leo Bloom, Brooks said.

To learn about how two of Hollywood's elite met —  the way only Brooks can tell it —  watch the video above.