Willy Wonka child star, 66, who clashed with Gene Wilder and vanished from Hollywood is unrecognizable
Now 66, the former child star played one of the five lucky kids who toured Gene Wilder's candy-colored chocolate factory in the beloved 1971 film based on Roald Dahl 's novel.
Clad in a laid-back red tee and jeans, the mystery man looked a world away from his on-screen alter ego - a brash, cowboy-costumed TV addict named Mike Teevee whose smart mouth often clashed with Wilder's famously wry Wonka.
Though he disappeared from Hollywood not long after the film's release to enjoy a 'normal' teenage life, he's popped up over recent years in casting gigs, commercials, and stage shows.
And, of course, at fan conventions celebrating the movie's other unforgettable lineup of characters: Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregarde, and Charlie Bucket.
So… which golden ticket holder is it?
Now 66, the former child star played one of the five lucky kids who toured Gene Wilder's candy-colored chocolate factory in the beloved 1971 film based on Roald Dahl 's novel
If you guessed Paris Themmen, you're absolutely right!
The 1971 film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory became an instant classic, beloved for its whimsical sets, dark humor, and Wilder's iconic performance as the mysterious candy-maker.
Themmen starred alongside fellow young actors Peter Ostrum as Charlie, Denise Nickerson as Violet, Julie Dawn Cole as Veruca, and Michael Bollner as Augustus.
Though it had a modest box office run at the time, the film later found massive success through home video and TV airings, earning its place as a pop culture staple.
Boston-born Themmen had already done some stage and commercial work before landing the role of television-mad Mike Teevee — but after Willy Wonka, he stepped away from acting as a teenager, saying he just wanted 'to be a kid.'
In adulthood, he returned to the entertainment industry here and there, taking on occasional TV roles and exploring work in film production and commercial casting.
Now Themmen signs autographs at fan conventions, runs a photography business, and makes sporadic appearances in commercials, stage productions, and television shows.
He also founded Access International, a travel service that arranged charter flights to Europe for backpackers.
Back in 2018, Themmen also made a surprise appearance as a contestant on Jeopardy! — but made no mention of his Willy Wonka past during the episode
Reflecting on his time filming in Munich with Gene Wilder and the rest of the cast, he told Collider:
Back in 2018, Themmen also made a surprise appearance as a contestant on Jeopardy! — but made no mention of his Willy Wonka past during the episode.
Instead, he introduced himself to Alex Trebek as an entrepreneur and avid backpacker.
He scored a Daily Double but ultimately finished in second place with $6,800.
Themmen currently lives in Los Angeles with his wife of nine years, Nikki Grillos.
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