Popular film Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory was one of the memorable movies of all time that had an engaging storyline and cast that’s still unforgettable for many. While each character of the movie was unique, the young Charlie in the movie played by Peter Ostrum has been less discussed as Ostrum after the movie vanished from the Hollywood industry all of a sudden.
But where did Peter Ostrum go after his movie Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory? Well, here’s what Peter Ostrum did after the movie.
Peter Ostrum, the Charlie of Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory
The 1971 movie, Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory is still remembered for the story of it years after it released on the big screen. While it turned out to be a successful movie paving the way of success for many actors who starred in the film. Peter Ostrum who played young Charlie in the movie disappeared after the movie and wasn’t seen in any movie or show thereafter.
No doubt, Peter is still widely known for his role of Charlie in the movie. His absence from the entertainment world though made many keen to know what happened to him after the movie. Peter despite his fame decided to distance himself from the Hollywood industry only to have a life away from the spotlight.
After making his acting debut in Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory, Peter didn’t even discuss anything about his role or if he would ever make a comeback on screen or not. As back when he acted in the film, he was just 12 years old. However, decades after the movie came out, Peter didn’t appear in any other acting work.
Despite getting three contracts of film to work on after his first film, Peter decided to part ways from acting only for the better. Although, he did later on share why he decided to never act after Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory despite having plenty of opportunities waiting for him.
Peter Ostrum is a Veterinarian
Peter Ostrum just didn’t keep himself away from acting. But even decided to hide his role in Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory from many in his life. However while opening up to Express about the same, he said “I wanted people to judge me on who i was, not what I’d done.”
Despite keeping a good distance from the film industry, Peter had opened up on the demise of Gene Wilder who played Willy Wonka in the movie with Peter. Latter revealed losing Wilder seem like “losing a parent”. As Wilder has been a mentor to Peter during their movie together.
Though post that, Ostrum talked about his role in his film in many of the interviews. But he didn’t step back into acting ever. In fact, after growing up he went on to take his degree in Veterinary Medicine and even started practicing as Veterinarian in New York.
In 2023, Peter Ostrum retired from his job as a Veterinarian too. Post retirement now he continues to reside in New York living with his wife and now adult kids, Helenka and Leif.