Kirsty Paterson, the Glasgow actress who became an internet meme as the 'sad Oompa Loompa' after the disastrous Willy Wonka event in 2024, has relocated to Australia and is now working with Netflix.
The 31-year-old saw her glum-faced image go viral after the event, which took place in a sparsely decorated venue where Oompa Loompas handed each child a single jelly bean and a quarter of a cup of lemonade. Photos showed her slouched in a basic outfit with a miserable expression.
From meme to Melbourne
Despite the embarrassment, Paterson has turned the situation around and is now receiving regular bookings following her move to Melbourne, Australia. The Wonka disaster occurred in February 2024, and she headed Down Under 19 months later.
Paterson described the move as the "best decision ever" and announced on Instagram: "My life has changed so much from this one bad event. You will be seeing me in action very soon. Been busy girl."
Netflix collaboration
Last week, she posted footage from her balcony in the Gold Coast, wearing a Scotland flag bra and a Netflix baseball cap. "Hello everyone, I am here in the Gold Coast," she said. "Doing some exciting stuff with you-know-who on my hat. So I cannot wait for this and I'm really excited for everyone to see what I've been up to. I don't think I could hit any higher than working with Netflix!"
Paterson has been spotted promoting Netflix's Wonka's The Golden Ticket, a competition series inspired by the 1971 film starring Gene Wilder.
Stage and documentary
Last year, Broadway producer Richard Kraft transformed the ill-fated event into a stage musical at the Edinburgh Fringe, with Paterson taking centre stage. Talks have emerged about taking the production, Willy's Candy Spectacular, to the West End or Broadway.
"What a year it has been," she said. "I hit America, I starred in a musical, and now I am about to release a documentary."
Fans have reacted warmly to her transformation, with one calling it a "heartwarming glow up" and another saying: "The Oompa Loompa to Gold Coast baddie pipeline is crazy." A third called her the "happiest person in Glasgow", while a fourth said: "A rare happy ending on the internet."
Paterson previously revealed she signed up for the role for financial reasons, having been promised £500. Speaking on Fubar Radio, she said: "We were supposed to get paid £500 for the two days. For a side gig and extra money, it's actually quite a good rate. I've not been fully paid. I was given £200 out of the £500 pay check. After this happened I had the Good Morning interview. I've done quite well getting jobs off of the back of it with various cameos."
