I don't agree with his politics (leftist) or his religious beliefs, such as they were (some sort of atheist/agnostic/b*ddhist according to Wikipedia at one time), but he was hilarious. And though he played many, many roles he will always be to me, as he was to so many, the authentic Willie Wonka.
Now off to play the "Pure Imagination" song until I wear out the "replay" button!