Peter Ostrum Net Worth – Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

Ostrum was deeply inspired by his work at his family’s horse stable and was greatly impacted by the veterinarian who cared for them, leading him to decide to become a large animal vet himself.

Now residing in Lowville, New York and working at Countryside Veterinary Clinic to treat horses and cows primarily. He even appeared in Pfizer-funded video series Veterinarians on Call.

Early Life and Education

After filming Willy Wonka, the Cleveland native began pursuing a veterinary career. He is committed to his work and leads an active, healthy lifestyle; maintaining an attractive body without divulging details on physical measurements.

Ostrum was inspired to pursue medicine after meeting its veterinarian during filming of Willy Wonka. Following high school graduation, his family purchased a horse; Ostrum became fascinated with medicine after spending time grooming horses at Delaware Equine Center in Pennsylvania between classes but eventually decided to return to school and earn his veterinary degree.

Peter is married to Loretta Lepkowski and they share two children: Helenka and Leif. The family lives in Lowville, New York where Peter practices veterinary medicine and prefers living a quiet life – though he still accepts invitations from students at Lowville Academy for talks regarding Willy Wonka.

Professional Career

Peter Ostrum was only 12 when talent agents cast him in Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (1971), where he made a memorable impression as Charlie Bucket. This family-oriented fantasy flick became a success and cemented Peter Ostrum into Hollywood history; yet, unlike some actors he eventually decided not to pursue acting as his career and left it instead.

After filming his movie, his family acquired a horse and he quickly developed an interest in them. Influenced by its veterinarian, who inspired him to study veterinary medicine further.

He holds his degree from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and currently practices veterinary medicine in Lowville, New York. Additionally, he specializes in dairy farming through Dairy Health and Management Services.

Achievement and Honors

Ostrum was performing at Cleveland Play House Children’s Theatre when talent agents looking for kids for Willy Wonka discovered him – at 12 he was taken on as one.

After appearing in a film, he decided to transition away from acting and instead work with animals. He noted his fascination with his family’s horses, particularly their veterinarian whom he would consult while tending to them.

At age 41, he received his doctorate of veterinary medicine and has since been practicing as a veterinarian in Lowville, New York with his wife and two children Helenka and Leif. As part of Pfizer-funded video series Veterinarians on Call, he receives royalty payments every three months.

Personal Life

Peter Ostrum was born on 1 November 1957 in Dallas, Texas to Dean Gardner Ostrum and Sarepta Mabel nee Pierpont and is their youngest child. Talent agents discovered him when he was 12 and cast him to play Charlie Bucket in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971).

Later he revealed that he was greatly impacted by the horse veterinarian who cared for his family’s horses upon returning from shooting Willy Wonka and decided that caring for animals would become his profession.

He declined a three-film contract with David Lloyd Wolper and frequently misses acting. Since 1990, he has given talks at Lowville Academy about his one-time starring role in Willy Wonka.

Net Worth

Peter Ostrum boasts an impressive net worth that comes from his profession as a veterinarian, in addition to occasional appearances and commercial gigs he accepts. Additionally, royalties for his role as Charlie Bucket add up significantly over time.

At just 12, he was selected by talent agents as one of Willy Wonka’s star child actors and enjoyed shooting the movie; however, rather than sign a three-film contract he chose not to sign one and continue speaking about it each year at school events; becoming even more prominent once its remake hit theaters five years later.

Ostrum lives in Lowville, New York with his wife Loretta and children Helenka and Leif. He earned a doctorate of veterinary medicine degree from Cornell University and practices veterinary medicine at Countryside Veterinary Clinic.