10 Popular Young Actors Who Quit Hollywood
2. Peter Ostrum
Peter Ostrum was 12-years-old when he landed the role of Charley Bucket, the Golden Ticket winner, in the 1971 classic Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.
The Gene Wilder movie would be Ostrum's only acting credit. After filming ended, he was offered a three-film deal but turned it down. Little did he know, he would soon discover his passion for animals. His family got a horse, and their veterinarian became a source of inspiration for the young boy.
Although he did consider returning to Hollywood, Ostrum ultimately decided to study veterinary medicine at Cornell.
63-year-old Ostrum wasn't always proud of his role as Charlie, but after his children showed their love for their father being the iconic character, he stopped telling people his brother was in the movie instead of him.