Denise Nickerson death: Willy Wonka child star who played Violet dies, aged 62

She starred opposite Gene Wilder in family film when she was just 13

Denise Nickerson, best known for playing Violet Beauregarde in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, has died, aged 62.

The actor died in hospital following reports she had been taken off of life support and was “living out the last moments of her life”.

Nickerson’s family confirmed the news to TMZ.

The actor starred opposite Gene Wilder in the 1971 Roald Dahl adaptation as the gum-chewing Violet when she was 13.

Her most famous scene saw the character become a large blueberry after chewing an experimental gum containing a three-course meal – despite Wonka warning her not to do so.

Last year, it was reported that she suffered a stroke and underwent a medical procedure, which saw a pacemaker put in.

As well as Willy Wonka, Nickerson was a regular star of TV shows Electric Company and Dark Shadows.

She quit acting in 1978 at the age of 21 to pursue a career as a nurse.

Other child stars to appear in Willy Wonka are Peter Ostrum (Charlie Bucket), Julie Dawn Cole (Veruca Salt), Paris Themmen (Mike Teevee) and Michael Bollner (Augustus Gloop).