After stepping away from the spotlight for years, former child actor Peter Ostrum rarely discussed his role in the beloved classic “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.” Following the film’s release, Ostrum took an unexpected career turn, leading him down a fascinating path far from Hollywood.
Peter Ostrum, the actor known for his iconic portrayal of Charlie Bucket in the 1971 classic “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,” is now turning 67. More than fifty years have passed since the film’s debut, marking a journey where his life shifted onto a unique and fulfilling career path.
Peter Ostrum happened to be in the right place at the right time when he landed the role of Charlie Bucket. | Source: YouTube/WarnerBros.Entertainment
Ostrum’s journey to playing Charlie began with an early love for theater, sparked by a school assembly featuring scenes from “Winnie the Pooh.” This led him to enroll in classes at the Cleveland Playhouse, where he gained acting experience in local productions.
His big break came in sixth grade when a casting agent visited the playhouse and invited him to audition for “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.”
Looking back on this opportunity in an interview, the Texas native said, “I just happened to be in the right place at the right time.” The movie was ultimately filmed in Munich, Germany which, as Ostrum noted, added a certain “mystique” to its visuals.
Though new to film, he found guidance in his co-star Gene Wilder during the making of “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.” “He was the pro and I was a rookie,” recalled the movie star.
When Wilder passed away in August 2016 at 83 due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease, the news deeply affected Ostrum, who hadn’t seen the seasoned actor since filming but still felt a profound connection.
As a newbie in the big screen, Peter Ostrum learned the ropes from Gene Wilder. | Source: Getty Images
Gene Wilder’s death heavily affected Peter Ostrum, whom he considered a father figure. | Source: YouTube/WarnerBros.Entertainment
Peter Ostrum raved about the production of the film, sharing that it had captivating visuals. | Source: Getty Images
“It’s kind of like losing a parent. […] Gene is gone and there will never be anyone like him again,” he expressed. Reflecting on Wilder’s character, Ostrum added, “He was a gentle man, but he was also a gentleman. He treated people with respect and dignity.”
Alongside these memories of the two-time Oscar nominee, Ostrum also holds onto a single treasured keepsake from the filming—a clapstick from the set. It is a small yet meaningful memento of his time in the iconic movie.
While the film had an enduring fanbase and cult status, Ostrum chose not to pursue acting further, making “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” his first and only movie. Despite his memorable role, the retired actor took a surprising turn, rejecting a three-film deal following the success of the classic movie.
Despite becoming a household name because of the film, Peter Ostrum left Hollywood. | Source: YouTube/WarnerBros.Entertainment
Peter Ostrum even rejected movie deals after the success of “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.” | Source: YouTube/Movieclips
Instead, he followed a different path and eventually settled in Lowville, Cleveland, a small village of 3,400 known for its cream-cheese plant and snowy winters, where, by 2005, he had become its most famous resident.
Ostrum embraced a quieter life after Hollywood. He got married, had children, and rarely mentioned his role in “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory”—even his wife only learned about it before meeting his mother.
Though he generally kept his Hollywood past private, the celebrity did share his story once a year with curious second-graders at Lowville Academy. Reflecting on this in a 2005 interview, Ostrum explained that he enjoyed showing them that “there’s a bigger world out there.”
The children’s curiosity about their hometown star led to the town’s video store wearing out its “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” cassette—twice, an unusual occurrence in quiet Lowville, according to a then-store manager.
Despite stepping away from the limelight, Peter Ostrum often reminisced about his memorable experiences from the film with kids. | Source: YouTube/Movieclips
Peter Ostrum preferred living a low-key life after the movie wrapped. | Source: YouTube/TODAY
After the movie, he later pursued a new career as a veterinarian and relocated to a small town. | Source: YouTube/TODAY
Alongside his role as a local favorite, Ostrum pursued veterinary medicine, a passion sparked at age 13 when he worked at a stable and admired the vet’s work.
“I met the veterinarian there and I thought he had the greatest job in the world. Once I realized veterinary medicine was something I wanted to pursue, I knew I had to buckle down and do well in my math and science,” shared the public figure in an interview.
His early experiences included grooming horses at Friendship Farm, and even attending the 1976 Olympics, where he saw high-level equine care in action.
After studying at the Ohio State University and earning his DVM from Cornell, Ostrum joined Countryside Veterinary Clinic in Lowville, New York, in 1985, where he worked for 37 years, retiring in 2022. Today, he continues mentoring new graduates, enjoying the mix of physical and problem-solving work that defined his career.
Still, even in retirement, Ostrum stays engaged in dairy medicine as a co-founder of Dairy Health and Management Services, a consulting firm focused on research and data-driven practices for large dairies worldwide.
Peter Ostrum posing with a warm smile at The Hollywood Show while holding a golden ticket. | Source: Getty Images
Peter Ostrum beaming in a blue shirt as he attends a Manchester Comic Con. | Source: Getty Images
A close-up of Peter Ostrum at the opening night gala for the 2023 Los Angeles Jewish Film Festival. | Source: Getty Images
Peter Ostrum laughing with his eyes closed at the same event. | Source: Getty Images
Fans have commented on Peter Ostrum’s looks as he ages and some deem him good-looking while others are amazed by how young he looks. | Source: Getty Images
Through research trials and client collaboration, he continues contributing to the field he loves. Yet, for fans who remember him as young Charlie, his appearances over the years have sparked admiration for how well he’s aged.
“Peter is a nice looking guy, [sic]” one YouTube user noted. Another observed, “It’s so weird seeing child actors from classic movies grown up,” reflecting on the nostalgia of seeing Ostrum. A third fan remarked, “The guy who plays Charlie looks very good for his age, i thought he would look soo old, [sic],” marveling at how well he’s turned out.
In stepping away from the spotlight, Peter Ostrum chose a life that prioritized passion over fame, creating a legacy both in veterinary medicine and as a cherished figure for fans of “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.” His journey from Hollywood to rural life shows the unexpected ways life can unfold after a taste of stardom.
