Peter Ostrum
Peter Gardner Ostrum was just 12 when talent agents selected him to play Charlie Bucket in the 1971 movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Although he enjoyed shooting it, Peter decided against acting further and became reluctant to discuss his one-starring role.
Early Life and Education
Peter Gardner Ostrum was born November 1st 1957 in Dallas, Texas and achieved fame through his role as Charlie Bucket in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971). Additionally he appeared in 2008’s Role Model: Gene Wilder documentary and 2005 TV show 100 Greatest Kid Stars.
He eventually gave up acting to pursue a career as a veterinarian, attributing his decision to leave acting to an experience with one of the veterinarians who cared for the family’s horses; it left him wanting to work with animals instead of acting.
Loretta Lepkowski and he are parents to two children together. They currently reside in Glenfield, New York where he practices veterinary medicine as well as managing his vineyard and producing his own wine.
Professional Career
Peter Gardner Ostrum was an American veterinarian and former child actor best known for his only film role as Charlie Bucket in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971). Unfortunately, once shooting had wrapped he decided not to pursue acting professionally and is reluctant to talk about this role anymore.
He was studying children’s theater at Cleveland Play House when talent agents approached him with an offer of Charlie in Willy Wonka. Although offered, he declined, opting instead to study veterinary medicine instead of signing the three-film contract that came his way.
He resides in Lowville, New York with his wife Loretta and two children. As an animal care professional he has a busy practice while being involved in local projects.
Achievement and Honors
Talent agents spotted Peter Ostrum while attending a children’s theatre performance and brought him back to Munich, West Germany for an audition and screen test. Once complete, their agent called to say that they would cast him as Willy Wonka in their movie project.
Ostrum put his acting career aside and instead pursued veterinary studies at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine – part of State University of New York system in Ithaca, NY – graduating as part of his program there and practicing veterinarian in Pennsylvania since.
He and his wife have two children together. He has not spoken much about his former career in acting.
Personal Life
Peter Ostrum was raised in a Christian family and still adheres to its practices to this day. His parents’ names are Dean Gardner Ostrum and Sarepta Mabel nee Pierpons; Peter was their youngest offspring out of four children.
As soon as he returned from filming Willy Wonka, his family purchased a horse. Though highly interested in the animal itself, it was his veterinarian who left an indelible mark upon him and inspired him to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine.
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine awarded him his Doctorate degree in 1984. Since then he has become an accomplished veterinarian specializing in large animals. Living with Loretta in Lowville, New York and raising two children; daughter Helenka and son Leif.
Net Worth
Peter is a veterinarian by trade and earns a comfortable living from it. His home in Lowville, New York City serves as his place of practice where he practices his profession alongside being an excellent family man and having strong character.
Peter was born November 1 and his life path number is 7. People with this life path tend to be introspective and seek knowledge. Additionally, Peter works out regularly and maintains a physically fit body.
He is happily married to Loretta Lepkowski and they share two children named Helenka and Leif. His life with his family is filled with happiness and peace; he opted out of acting to lead an ordinary lifestyle with them. Additionally, he participated in Pfizer video series “Veterinarians on Call”. This kind and generous individual will always remain close at hand.