Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory
The movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is based off of the famous Roald Dahl novel, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Both the movie and the novel have made history as they are massively creative, captivating, and loved by many.
The movie came out in 1971, quickly becoming a classic. It was remade in 2005, revolutionizing the characters for an entirely new generation.
The Stars Today
However, some of your favorite characters are almost unrecognizable today.
Some of them you’ll recognize at they went on to be career actors, and some of them chose different lives all together.
Peter Ostrum as Charlie Bucket
Perhaps the most iconic character, Charlie Bucket, was played by Peter Ostrum in the original rendition of the film.
The success of the film shot him into stardom, but surprisingly, he decided to take a different approach to life, leaving his fame and fortune behind him. Keep reading to see what he looks like now.
Peter Ostrum Now
Ostrum decided to ditch the acting scene and pursue something much more humble. He became a veterinarian, specializing in cattle and horses, and a good one at that.
Now, 58, he resides in Glenfield, New York. Occasionally, he meets up with the cast to celebrate their iconic movie.
Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka
Gene Wilder played the famous Willy Wonka in the 1971 film, bringing is eccentric personality to life on screen.
Not only did he do the Roald Dahl character justice, he did such an amazing job he was remembered for this role for his entire career.
Gene Wilder Now
Wilder passed away in 2016, but continued to act throughout his life. He wasn’t just an actor, he was also a screenwriter, director, producer, singer-songwriter and author.
He will be missed but always remembered from his center role in Willy Wonka.
Julie Dawn Cole As Vercua Salt
One of the most obnoxious characters in the film, Veruca Salt, was played by Julie Dawn.
The spoiled child didn’t even find the ticket out of pure luck, but hired her staff to open chocolates until they found one. Cole definitely played the part well. Let’s see her now.
Julie Dawn Cole Now
Julie Dawn Cole continued her acting career after this famous role, staring in many TV movies and soap operas.
The British actress is now 61, and has two kids. Over the years she has also published two books.
Denise Nickerson As Violet Beauregarde
You remember Violet, don’t you? Of course you do!
Violet was the gum-loving, disobedient, girl who ended up blowing up like a blueberry after eating one of Wonka’s creations. Let’s take a look at Denise Nickerson now!
Denise Nickerson Now
Nickerson is now 61 years old and has two children. She is well-known for her role as Violet, as well as Allison on The Electric Company and Amy Jennings and Nora Collins in the soap opera Dark Shadows.
Unfortunately she had a stroke in June of this year, and is currently recovering at home under the care of her children. We hope she gets well soon!
Michael Bollner As Augustus Gloop
Augustus was by far the most glutinous character of all, enjoying stuffing his face any chance he got. His parents doted over him to a fault, and he ended up having one of the most iconic scenes of the entire movie.
He fell into the chocolate river after trying to drink the chocolate, and ended up getting sucked through a very tight tube. Let’s see him now.
Michael Bollner
While filming the movie, Bollner needed help with his lines because his English wasn’t great, but that didn’t stop him from killing his part. Like a few of his other colleagues, Bollner went on to act in a few other movies.
He appeared in After They Were Famous (1999) and Bizarre Transmissions from the Bermuda Triangle. He also pursued a career in accounting.
Head of the Oompa-Loompas, Rusty Goffe
Everyone remembers their favorite Oompa Loompa, Rusty Goffe.
Although he didn’t say much, his iconic song and dance along with costume detail, launched his acting career for years to come. Since this 1971 hit, he’s been pretty busy.
Rusty Goffe Now
Since this 1971 film, Goffe has had many iconic roles in very interesting films including, Jawa in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, Willow and Flash Gordon.
He also played Le Muff in the film History of the World Part I and also played Goober, a purple gremlin butler in Stupid! Every now and then, he still does appearances for Willy Wonka. Let’s take a look at some of the actors from the 2005 remake.
Freddie Highmore As Charlie
In the remake of the original film, Freddie Highmore was chosen to play Charlie Bucket, and he wasn’t new to the acting scene.
He had already made a name for himself in Finding Neverland, The Golden Compass and The Spiderwick Chronicles. His career continued to flourish after his role as Charlie, and he’s an even bigger actor now.
Freddie Highmore Now
Now he is known as the serial killer Norman Bates from the hit TV The Bates Motel and more recently, the doctor from the surprising and ground breaking ABC show The Good Doctor.
The British actor is now 26 years old and is in the height of his career.
Annasophia Robb as Violet
Annasophia started her career as a child and quickly became a career actor with the staring role in Samantha: An American Girl Holiday.
She got the role as Violet in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory which continued to help her career and she got the chance to work with other famous actors. Let’s see her now.
Annasophia Now
These days, the 26 year old actress is known for supporting and staring roles is numerous films, including Soul Surfer, CW’s Sex and the City Prequel The Carrie Diaries, and Alice Green in the PBS Civil War series Mercy Street.
In 2018, she graduated from New York University.
Julia Winter As Veruca Salt
Swedish actress Julia Winter was cast as Veruca Salt in the 2005 film, capturing Salt’s attitude perfectly.
She was born in 1993 and before landing this role, she was studying drama at London theatre schools. Surprisingly, she decided on another career after the success of the film.
Julia Winter Now
Currently, the 26 year old is studying at karolinska institute in Stockholm, Sweden to become a doctor.
Although many of the actors decided on different careers after both adaptations, they contributed greatly to the films.