Peter Ostrum, who played Charlie Bucket in the 1971 film 'Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory', has not acted since that role. Now 60, he works as a large animal veterinarian in New York state, living a quiet life with his family.
In a 2013 interview with the Mirror, Ostrum recalled the film's initial reception: 'Back then when the film came out there was no red carpet premiere. I was in my hometown in Ohio and they had an opening there and I was the only one there. There was a little bit of fanfare but not much and the film died a quiet death. It wasn’t until video 10 years later that it resurfaced and it took on a life of its own.'
Ostrum was offered a three-film deal but declined, citing the experience of being away from home during filming. He said: 'I enjoyed doing it but I couldn’t really see myself doing it for the rest of my life. How many kids carry a successful child acting career into an adult acting career? The Jodie Fosters and Ron Howards you can count on one hand.'
He attributed the film's enduring appeal to its moral themes: 'I have a great affection for the story idea that if you are honest and hardworking and do the right thing, good things happen to you.'
