Denise Nickerson Health: 'Willy Wonka' Star Critical After Stroke, Family Raising Money

Denise Nickerson, the actress who appeared in the original “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” suffered a stroke and is currently in critical condition, according to her family. TMZ first reported about Nickerson's health condition Wednesday.

The 61-year-old, known for her role as Violet Beauregarde in the 1971 film, remains in the intensive care unit. Her family is reportedly facing trouble with the medical costs and have turned to crowd funding.

A Facebook fundraiser page titled “Raising money for Jasmine and Josh Nickerson hospital fees and general” was created. According to the page, the actress suffered a stroke late June.

The page is also offering autographed merchandise in exchange for donations. The fundraiser has closed after amassing $2,492 of its initial $1,500 goal.

While the family hopes for Nickerson's recovery, TMZ reported a pacemaker was put in and she needs to be fed through a feeding tube.

Nickerson also played Allison on "The Electric Company" and Amy Jennings and Nora Collins in the 1960s soap opera "Dark Shadows." She also appeared in an episode of "The Brady Bunch" in 1974.

In an update this week, the family 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 ofbed. Her lung collapsed. 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."