It was a real-life golden ticket story for little Peter Ostrum when he landed the role of Charlie Bucket in the 1972 production of Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory.
Peter was just twelve years old when he was discovered by talent scouts during a nationwide search for the perfect young actor to play the now iconic role.
Although he was offered a three-year film contract after completing the movie adaptation of the Roald Dahl classic, Peter turned it down.
In fact, Charlie Bucket was the only role Peter ever played, and he was reluctant to even speak about his starring role in the years since.
Now, Peter has his own veterinary practice in New York, having received his veterinary degree from Cornell University.
Peter’s love for horses led to him becoming a vet.
The 57-year-old has made very rare media appearances including a 2009 campaign with Dunkin’ Donuts where he gave out Charlie cards to commuters.
Peter is married with two children and was quoted as saying: “Everybody thinks that acting is such a glamorous profession, but it’s a difficult profession” in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Hat Tip: Cosmopolitan
