Denise Nickerson, who played Violet Beauregard in 1971’s Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory, has passed away at age 62.
Nickerson died at her hospital bed Wednesday at approximately 10:30pm Colorado time, her family told TMZ.
The actress was visited at her hospital room that same day by several loved ones, who said their final goodbyes and shared memories.
Heartbreaking; Denise Nickerson passed away at the age 62 on Wednesday at approximately 10:30pm Colorado time (pictured 2016)
Nickerson was rushed to the hospital earlier this week, diagnosed with pneumonia, and subsequently suffered a seizure, TMZ reported.
She was placed on life support, but on Wednesday her family told TMZ they had taken Nickerson off her respirator.
The site spoke directly with Denise’s family. She has one son who has been taking care of her along with his wife.
Nickerson had been staying at home where she was taking her medicine and getting care.
Her big role: Nickerson was a child actress when she played Violet Beauregarde, the girl who blows up after breaking factory rules, in the 1971’s Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory
But her health took a turn for the worse when she fell ill on Monday. She was rushed to the ER but doctors said things did not look good as she had pneumonia.
When she suffered a seizure, she was put on life support. Denise was ultimately taken off her respirator.
Doctors were told to remove her IVs, and she stopped receiving medication.
The family told TMZ on Wednesday morning ‘it’s now just a matter of time before Denise passes.’
‘Her son, Josh, and his wife are at the hospital with Denise, and have started a GoFundMe to honor Denise’s last wishes of being cremated, and her ashes turned into glass artwork,’ added the site.
Bad girl! She was rolled around by the Oompa Loompas who tended to the factory
Persistent: Nickerson is seen in the back of the boat as the kids paddle through a chocolate river. Also pictured are Peter Ostrum, Julie Dawn and Paris Themmen
Wonka time: Gene Wilder is seen in the center as he poses with the children and their parents who visit the Chocolate Factory
Reunion: Here the cast was back together during a celebration marking the 30th anniversary of the film and the release of a special edition version of the movie in 2001 at the Warner Bros. Studio Store in New York City. The cast (L to R) are Michael Bollner who played Augustus Gloop, Denise as Violet Beauregarde, Paris Themmen as Mike Teevee” Julie Dawn Cole as Veruca Salt, and Peter Ostrum as Charlie Bucket
In 2018 the Denver, Colorado resident had a pacemaker put in, but she had a difficult reaction to it and became ‘agitated.’
‘Her nurse confirmed that she’s having the stomach feeding tube installed tomorrow morning,’ wrote Josh’s wife Jasmine at the time.
‘She’s significantly more comfortable now that the temp pacer (which for those who don’t know, is installed in the neck so they rest all the tubing on the shoulder and it’s very sensitive to the touch) and other shoulder and neck tubing is removed.’
She added, ‘The temporary feeding tube was also removed (by her own doing is entirely plausible) so she’s not as agitated.’
In July 2018 Jasmine wrote, ‘They had to move her to a room where they can monitor her more closely. She pulled out her feeding tube and has been trying to fully climb out of bed. Her lung collapsed.
Bad turn: The 62-year-old actress’ family has decided to end any more medical help after she was rushed to the hospital this week. She was diagnosed with pneumonia then suffered a seizure, which put her on life support, according to a Wednesday report from TMZ. Seen in 2011
‘They just discovered in the last few hours so they are putting a tube in to reinflate it. A rough day so far. Mom and Josh have been up with her today. I’m home sick with a small cold and trying not to worry.’
Jasmime’s sister has asked for money on Facebook at the time so Jasmine and Josh could be by Denise’s side.
‘If you have anything at all to donate to my sister and brother in law so they can ease their mind a bit and spend more time with their mother in the ICU. Anything to get off their plate is greatly appreciated,’ the sister wrote.
In June 2018 the star was left in critical condition and placed in the ICU after suffering from a stroke.
Nickerson was a child actress when she played Violet Beauregarde, the girl who blows up into a large blueberry shape after breaking factory rules, in the 1971 musical film with Gene Wilder.
Denise was a regular on TV shows such as Search for Tomorrow, The Brady Bunch, Dark Shadows and The Electric Company. Her last role was Zero To Sixty in 1978.