It’s been 44 years since the movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory was released. The timeless classic has been enjoyed by generations of children around the globe, most of whom remember it fondly – the Oompa Loompas, the fizzy lifting drink and that sweet chocolate river.
To celebrate the hit movie’s 44-year milestone, six of the original cast members recently appeared on Today, to talk about their time together shooting the beloved movie.
The five children and one Oompa Loompa revealed they’ve stayed in touch all this time.
“We think of ourselves as part of a family,” said Paris Themmen, who played Mike Teevee in the film. “Maybe a bit of a dysfunctional family, but a family really.”
It truly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, as none of the child actors pursued a career in show business. Peter Ostrum, who played Charlie, is a veterinarian. Only Chief Oompa Loompa Rusty Goffe, still acts.
The six talked fondly of their time on the show. They adored working with Gene Wilder, whom they constantly badgered.
“[There were] five kids clamouring all over, wanting attention. There was never any ‘Please, don’t bother Mr. Wilder,’ ” recalled Julie Dawn Cole (Veruca Salt). “We must have been pretty tiresome.”
“They were,” whispered Goffe.
The Willy Wonka cast might have burst a few bubbles with their admission in the interview that the chocolate river wasn’t made of real chocolate!
“I’m sorry. It was water,” said Michael Bollner, who played Augustus Gloop.
“It was disgusting,” replied Goffe.
