Denise Nickerson, the actress who played Violet Beauregarde in the original Willy Wonka film, has passed away at age 62. Nickerson’s family confirmed that she passed away on Wednesday, July 10. The family released a statement on social media.
According to a report from Variety, Denise was taken off of life support and her death was “imminent” shortly before her passing was announced.
“She’s gone,” a message read on Facebook.
‘”Good morning everyone. We are so overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support we’re receiving. We have been up almost all night again and finally slept a few hours from about 4:30 last night til about 7:30 this morning. We’re exhausted physically, mentally, emotionally,” Denise’s daughter-in-law Jasmine added in a post of her own.
“We thank you all and are trying to sort through the thousands of messages on like every platform. Please be patient with us, as it’s hard to look at so much so quickly but we will get there. It’s hard to wake up and re-realize she’s gone but trending around the world.”
All of the information we know about Denise’s passing can be seen below.
Denise Nickerson Cause of Death: Complications from Stroke
Nickerson had been in intensive care since suffering a massive stroke in June 2018. This week, she suffered major complications which ultimately contributed to her death. It was reported that Nickerson was on life support before her death on Wednesday, July 10, but her family disputed the claims on Facebook.
“Denise was not taken off life support,” the family wrote. “She has a DNR in place. She was never ON life support. She simply had basic machines running like the IV drip with antibiotics and anti seizure meds, and a very strong oxygen pump (not a ventilator which is a life support device).”
Our deepest condolences go out to Nickerson’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult and tragic time.