Peter Ostrum | Veterinarian

People who love classic Hollywood films adore Peter Gardner Ostrum for starring in the 1971 film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory as Charlie Bucket. He was only 12 years old when he was chosen to play this role. Although the then-child actor received critical acclaim for his starring role, he opted to shy away from the entertainment industry. However, his one and only credited film role did have a lasting effect. In 1990, he began an annual tradition of talking about the film with school children.

After his work in Hollywood, Ostrum found his passion for taking care of animals when he tended to his family’s horses. Eventually, the former actor decided to become a veterinarian. He graduated from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and is currently living and working in Lowville, New York. He also served as a managing partner in Dairy Health and Management Services.