10 Actors Who Retired Way Too Early

Peter Ostrum only starred, and performed in general for that matter, in one movie in his entire career. That movie? 1971’s Willy Wonka and the Chocolate factory starring Gene Wilder and Ostrum as Charlie.

After the film’s release and overwhelming worldwide success, the then 13 year old actor declined an offer for a three film contract, and retired from acting altogether, despite his quality performance.

After acting, Ostrum became a veterinarian due to his strong interest in horses. He was reluctant to talk about the film and his experiences filming it (which raises a few questions but we won’t go there) until 1990. Since then he has annually talked to the students of Lowville Academy once a year, on the last day of school, about his experience in Willy Wonka as well as his veterinarian career.

What could have became of his acting career had he stuck with it post-Wonka is definitely a mystery worth pondering.