Peter Ostrum

Peter Gardner Ostrum^[1] (born November 1, 1957) is an American former child actor who starred as Charlie Bucket in the 1971 motion picture Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.

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Ostrum was born in Dallas, Texas, U.S., but mainly raised in Shaker Heights, Ohio (a suburb of Cleveland), and was a student at Byron Junior High School (now Shaker Middle School) when he was named to the role. After the film he was offered several movie roles, but turned them down. He graduated from North Hunterdon High School in Annandale, New Jersey.

Ostrum is no longer involved in acting. He is a successful veterinarian in Lowville, New York, having received his degree from Cornell University. He is married to Loretta Lepkowski, and they have two children: Helenka and Leif.

Trivia

• He was parodied on Saturday Night Live in a "Where are they now?" bit. He was portrayed by Amy Poehler.

References