Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is a 1971 American musical fantasy film directed by Mel Stuart. The film starred Gene Wilder in the title role. It is based on Roald Dahl’s 1964 novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory which tells the story of Charlie Bucket, played by Peter Ostrum, a poor child who, after discovering a Golden Ticket in a chocolate bar, visits Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory with four other children from around the world. But did you know what Peter Ostrum did after filming the movie?
Peter Ostrum, who played Charlie in “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” chose a career as a veterinarian over a career as an actor. Willy Wonka was the only film he made.
Charlie Bucket the Veterinarian
Since 1971, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory has left an indelible imprint on children’s minds. Gene Wilder played Willy Wonka, and Charlie Bucket, a poor boy who won a golden ticket to tour the famous Chocolate Factory, was played by Peter Ostrum. For the last 50 years, musical fantasy film has been a cult favorite worldwide.
Charlie Bucket discovered his golden ticket to a happy life wrapped in a Willy Wonka chocolate bar. Peter Ostrum, who was just a child actor playing Charlie at the time, later discovered his in horse pastures.
People are always curious about what happened to Charlie. Why wasn’t he in any other films? Did he survive Hollywood? I’m relieved to tell you that my life didn’t end up as a trainwreck, The film industry just wasn’t for me.
Peter Ostrum
Despite this, he enjoyed working with Wilder and co-star Jack Albertson, who played Grandpa Joe. Wilder would share a chocolate bar with Ostrum during every lunch break during filming in Munich, Germany, according to Ostrum.
Ostrum worked at a stable in Ohio and had several positive interactions with veterinarians. He admired the profession, particularly working with horses. He even groomed the Japanese three-day equestrian event team at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal.
After a year of working at an equine veterinary clinic, he decided he wanted to be an equine veterinarian. However, Ostrum discovered that dairy cow care was more in line with his dreams, and he’s been doing it ever since, in upstate New York, where he’s also a husband and father of two children, after earning his veterinary degree at Cornell. We can’t help others if we can’t help and support ourselves
Peter Ostrum
(Source: Christopher S. Bond Life Science Center)
How Was Peter Ostrum Discovered?
Ostrum was in sixth grade when he was discovered by talent agents looking for the perfect young actor to play Charlie Bucket at the Cleveland Play House children’s theatre. Ostrum had been cast and was on his way to Munich to work with Gene Wilder and Jack Albertson. (Source: Screen Rant)
Everybody thinks that acting is such a glamorous profession, but it’s a difficult profession.
Peter Ostrum
After the film was made the studio executives were prepared to offer Ostrum a three-picture deal if he signed the contract. (Source: American Veterinary Medical Association)