The Star of ‘The Goonies’ Turns 55: His Journey Since the Adventure

After years away from the spotlight, former child actor Peter Ostrum rarely spoke about his role in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. Following the film’s release, he took an unexpected career turn, leading him into a life far removed from Hollywood.

Peter Ostrum, the actor famous for playing Charlie Bucket in the 1971 classic Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, is now turning 67. Over fifty years since the film’s release, he has embarked on a unique and fulfilling career path, marking a journey far from Hollywood.

Ostrum’s path to playing Charlie began with a budding love for theater, inspired by a school assembly showcasing scenes from Winnie the Pooh. This passion led him to join acting classes at the Cleveland Playhouse, where he gained experience in local productions. His big break came in sixth grade when a casting agent visited the playhouse and invited him to audition for Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.

Reflecting on his casting, Texas native Peter Ostrum described it as being “in the right place at the right time.” The movie was filmed in Munich, Germany, which Ostrum felt added a special “mystique” to its look. Though new to acting on screen, he found a mentor in co-star Gene Wilder, saying, “He was the pro and I was a rookie.”

When Wilder passed away in 2016 at 83 from Alzheimer’s complications, Ostrum was deeply affected. Although they hadn’t seen each other since filming, Ostrum still felt a strong connection to his former co-star.

Peter Ostrum likened losing Gene Wilder to “losing a parent,” saying, “Gene is gone, and there will never be anyone like him again.” Reflecting on Wilder’s character, he described him as “a gentle man” who treated everyone with “respect and dignity.” Ostrum still cherishes a clapstick from the set—a small but meaningful keepsake from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.

Despite the film’s lasting fanbase and cult following, Ostrum chose not to continue acting, making Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory his first and only film. He even turned down a three-film deal after the movie’s success, opting instead for a different path.

Peter Ostrum took a different path after Hollywood, eventually settling in Lowville, Cleveland—a small village of 3,400 known for its cream cheese plant and snowy winters. By 2005, he had become Lowville’s most famous resident. Embracing a quieter life, Ostrum married, had children, and rarely spoke about his role in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory—even his wife only learned about it before meeting his mother.

Though he kept his Hollywood past mostly private, he shared his story once a year with second-graders at Lowville Academy, telling them about “the bigger world out there.” The children’s curiosity even led to the town’s video store wearing out its Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory tape twice—a rare occurrence in quiet Lowville.

In addition to becoming a local favorite, Peter Ostrum pursued a career in veterinary medicine—a passion ignited at age 13 while working at a stable and admiring the veterinarian’s work. “I met the veterinarian there and thought he had the greatest job in the world,” he recalled in an interview. “Once I realized veterinary medicine was something I wanted to pursue, I knew I had to buckle down and do well in my math and science.”

Peter Ostrum’s journey in veterinary medicine began with early experiences grooming horses at Friendship Farm and observing top-tier equine care at the 1976 Olympics. After studying at Ohio State University and earning his DVM from Cornell, Ostrum joined Countryside Veterinary Clinic in Lowville, New York, in 1985, where he worked for 37 years until his retirement in 2022. Even in retirement, he continues to mentor new graduates, enjoying the blend of physical and problem-solving aspects that characterized his career.

Ostrum also remains active in dairy medicine as a co-founder of Dairy Health and Management Services, a consulting firm dedicated to research and data-driven practices for large dairy farms globally.

Through research trials and client collaboration, Peter Ostrum continues to contribute to the veterinary field he loves. For fans who remember him as young Charlie, his occasional appearances have sparked admiration for how well he’s aged. One YouTube user commented, “Peter is a nice looking guy.” Another remarked, “It’s so weird seeing child actors from classic movies grown up,” highlighting the nostalgia of seeing Ostrum. A third fan added, “The guy who plays Charlie looks very good for his age, I thought he would look so old,” expressing surprise at his youthful appearance.

By stepping away from the spotlight, Peter Ostrum opted for a life that prioritized passion over fame, establishing a legacy in veterinary medicine while remaining a beloved figure for fans of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. His journey from Hollywood to rural life exemplifies the unexpected paths life can take after experiencing stardom.