It’s Gene Wilder’s 83rd Birthday — See the Cast of ‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory’ Then and Now!

Gene Wilder (Willy Wonka)

Before landing the titular role in 1971's Willy Wonka the late actor experienced showbiz success through theater, TV and film work, most notably appearing in the hit motion picture The Producers.

His last onscreen acting gig was in a 2003 episode of Will & Grace. He later turned to writing, publishing his last collection of stories in 2010. The Hollywood legend sadly died in August 2016 of complications from Alzheimer's disease.

Peter Ostrum (Charlie Bucket)

Just 12 years old when he was cast as Charlie in Wonka, Peter gave up acting soon-after the movie premiered to focus on his education. He now works as a veterinarian in Upstate New York, where he lives with his wife and two children.

Julie Dawn Cole (Veruca Salt)

"I want it now!" Following her infamous portrayal of spoiled Veruca, the mom-of-two continues to act, appearing in several British television shows.

Michael Bollner (Augustus Gloop)

After he was sucked up by Wonka's chocolate river, Michael retired from showbiz to become a tax attorney! He now resides in Munich, Germany.

Denise Nickerson (Violet Beauregarde)

Since playing gum-chewing Violet, Denise joined the cast of The Electric Company, guest-starred on two episodes of The Brady Bunch and starred on popular soap operas including Dark Shadows and Search for Tomorrow.

But by age 21, the mom-of-one quit acting and now works as an accountant for an engineering plant.

Paris Themmen (Mike Teevee)

Following a short stint on Broadway, Paris decided to leave the 'biz at age 14 to "just be a kid." As an adult, he worked as a real estate agent before landing jobs in film production and commercial casting.

Today, he runs a photography business while making sporadic appearances in commercials, plays, and TV shows.

Jack Albertson (Grandpa Joe)

Though he's most known for his roles in Willy Wonka and The Poseidon Adventure, Jack — who won an Oscar for his performance in 1968's The Subject Was Roses — had a successful acting career that spanned more than 40 years. He sadly passed away after battling cancer at age 74 in 1981.

The End!