“Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” was released in theaters 50 years ago today (June 30, 1971). So what happened to all of the Wonka Kids? Let’s take a look…

• Charlie Bucket (played by Peter Ostrum):

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  Peter Ostrum was a one-and-done in Hollywood. He left acting after the movie. Pretty perfect resume leaving when he did, no? He currently works at the Countryside Veterinary Clinic in Lowville, New York, working mainly with horses and cows.

• Veruca Salt (played by Julie Dawn Cole):

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  Julie Dawn Cole continued to act in England for many years, appearing in many popular British shows throughout the years. She is also a certified fitness instructor and is married with two children.

• Mike Teavee (played by Paris Themmen):

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  Paris Themmen still lives in LA where he drives a car with the license plate "Mike TV." He has continued acting, appearing in shows such as 'Star Trek: Voyager.' He also appeared as a contestant on Jeopardy in 2018, where he finished in second place.
• Augustus Gloop (played by Michael Bollner):

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  Like Charlie, this was Michael Bollner's only acting credit as well. He went on to be a tax accountant. He still runs his accounting business in his home country of Germany. (He's the one farthest to the left in the pic.)

• Denise Nickerson (played by Violet Beauregarde):

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  After 'Wonka' Denise joined the cast of childrens' show 'The Electric Company. She also just missed getting the lead role in "The Exorcist." She sadly passed away, aged 62, in July 2019.'

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