Published: 19:38 BST, 23 August 2026 | Updated: 02:09 BST, 24 August 2026
The original cast of Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory first hit screens over five decades ago.
It saw the iconic characters of the 1971 classic – Charlie Bucket, Veruca Salt, Mike Teavee, Violet Beauregarde and Augustus Gloop – win the chance to enter Willy Wonka's chocolate factory after nabbing a Golden Ticket.
Based on Roald Dahl’s 1964 book, the movie followed the children's trip to the factory, in which they all suffered very varied fates.
For some of the child stars it helped propel them into successful showbusiness careers, while others shied away from the limelight in favour of a life as an accountant or vet.
As the film celebrates its 55th anniversary, where are the stars of the hit film now?
Where are the cast of Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory now? The varied fates of the child stars as iconic film celebrates its 55th anniversary
Peter Ostrum, now 68, was just 14 years old when he appeared on screen as the beloved Charlie Bucket in 1971's Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory
55 years on from the film's release, he revealed he still receives a small income from his role (pictured in 2022)
Peter Ostrum, now 68, was just 14 years old when he appeared on screen as the beloved Charlie Bucket in 1971's Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory.
Starring alongside Gene Wilder as the lucky winner of the Golden Ticket, the former actor once described his pay cheque as 'paltry' and later turned his back on acting to pursue a career as a vet.
He has since revealed that he still receives a small income from his role.
Speaking at Snowtown Film Festival in 2018, Peter said he makes around $8 to $9 in royalties every three months from the film being shown on TV.
The film suffered 'lukewarm reviews' and 'died a quiet death' Peter recalled, earning $4million from its release and disappeared.
However, thanks to a series of TV broadcasts it began gaining popularity in the 80s with the child star admitting he had no idea just how popular it had become.
