The director of the original “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” Mel Stuart has died.

He was 83.

The award-winning documentary-maker passed away last night at his home in Los Angeles.

It is believed the New York native had been suffering from cancer.

His documenatary “The Making of the President 1960″ won him an Emmy award while “Four Days in November” was nominated for an Oscar.

The 1971 musical fantasy “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” became a family favorite.

He is survived by his daughter and two sons.