The Sweet Beginning: Casting as Charlie Bucket
Ostrum’s journey into the whimsical world of Willy Wonka began unexpectedly during his sixth-grade year. Participating in a children’s theater production at the Cleveland Playhouse, young Peter caught the attention of casting agents on a nationwide search for the perfect Charlie Bucket. This was in the era before widespread video auditions, so the initial assessment was quite simple. As Peter Ostrum himself recounted, “It was the prevideo era, so they took a few Polaroid pictures and tape-recorded me reading from the book.”
After this initial contact, a period of anticipation followed. The agents returned to New York, leaving Peter with the standard phrase, “Don’t call us; we’ll call you.” Yet, true to their word, approximately two months later, the call came. He was invited to New York for a screen test, a crucial step in the casting process. Another month of waiting ensued before the life-altering news arrived: pack your bags for Munich, Germany, filming would commence in just ten days.
A Young Star in Munich: Filming Willy Wonka
For a 12-year-old, the experience of filming “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” was nothing short of extraordinary. Ostrum fondly remembers his time in Germany as being “sort of like being an exchange student for five months.” Filming took place in Munich before the city hosted the 1972 Olympic Games, adding to the excitement of the location. “They were building the Olympic city at that time, and that was exciting,” he recalled.
Beyond the location, the camaraderie with the cast, including legendary actors like Gene Wilder, who played Willy Wonka, and Jack Albertson, who portrayed Grandpa Joe, left a lasting impression. Despite the magical nature of the film, Ostrum observed the realities of movie making. “Everybody thinks that acting is such a glamorous profession, but it’s a difficult profession,” he noted, gaining an early insight into the industry. Upon completion of the film, studio executives were eager to offer him a three-picture deal, recognizing his potential.
From Hollywood to Hay: The Call of Veterinary Medicine
Despite the allure of Hollywood, Peter Ostrum’s interests began to shift after returning home from Germany. Around the time he turned 13, his family acquired a horse, leading him to spend time at a local stable. While horses themselves were captivating, it was the equine veterinarian who truly sparked his imagination.
“I can remember the veterinarian coming out and taking care of the horses, and it made a huge impression on me,” Ostrum explained. He witnessed firsthand someone who “really enjoyed what he did for a living.” This was a stark contrast to his father’s profession as a lawyer, which seemed more abstract to young Peter. The veterinarian’s work was tangible, impactful, and clearly fulfilling. “Someone making a living from something he enjoyed so much really sparked my interest,” he said.
This burgeoning interest led him to take a year off between high school and college to work at stables and the Delaware Equine Center in Pennsylvania, gaining practical experience with animals. Even as his passion for veterinary medicine grew, Hollywood briefly beckoned again. Faced with the challenges of gaining admission to veterinary school, Ostrum considered revisiting acting. He traveled to California to explore this option, consulting with people he had worked with on “Willy Wonka.” However, the trip solidified his resolve to pursue veterinary medicine.
“I thought, if that doesn’t work, then maybe I could do something else. But I would always have in the back of my mind, ‘you should’ve tried to get into veterinary school.’ If I didn’t pursue that, I’d always kick myself.” His determination paid off, and in 1984, Dr. Peter Ostrum earned his DVM degree from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Peter Ostrum: A Life Dedicated to Animal Care
Today, Dr. Peter Ostrum is a practicing veterinarian in Glenfield, New York, primarily focusing on dairy work and the care of farm animals, as well as companion animals like cats. His daily concerns revolve around animal health and well-being, a world away from golden tickets and chocolate rivers. He also dedicates time to community outreach, visiting local schools to share his unique life experiences, discussing both his time as a child actor and his fulfilling career as a veterinarian. He emphasizes the importance of finding a profession one loves, stating, “Acting was fine, but I wanted something more steady, and the key is to find something that you love doing, and that’s what my profession has given to me.”
For many years, Dr. Ostrum kept his acting past relatively private. However, the enduring popularity of “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” and the rise of online fan communities have brought renewed attention to the film and its cast. He has participated in “Wonka” reunions and recorded audio commentary for special edition DVDs, engaging with the film’s legacy in recent years. This allows him to connect with new generations of fans while also maintaining his focus on his veterinary practice and family life. He enjoys seeing the film through the eyes of his children, including his daughter Helenka, who is fascinated by her father’s role as Charlie Bucket.
While Peter Ostrum may have traded the spotlight for a stethoscope, his contribution to cinema as Charlie Bucket remains iconic. His life story is a testament to pursuing one’s true passion, demonstrating that even a “world of pure imagination” can lead to unexpected and rewarding real-life journeys. Dr. Peter Ostrum’s dedication to animal care serves as an inspiring example of a life well-lived, blending a touch of Hollywood magic with genuine commitment to his chosen profession.
