Whatever Happened To ‘Charlie’ from Willie Wonka & The Chocolate Factory?

We all too often hear tragic stories about the adult lives of child stars. Dana Plato from "Different Strokes"  committed suicide at age 34. The "Partridge Family's" Danny Bonaduce has led a tumultuous life, marred by substance abuse and multiple arrests. The history of American popular culture is rife with similar stories. Peter Ostrum appeared in the classic "Willie Wonka & The Chocolate Factory" at age 12. He never appeared in another movie. What happened to him? Depression, drugs? No. He walked away from show business on his own terms, turning down a three picture deal. Ostrum developed a fascination with animals, horses in particular. He pursued his education, and earned a degree in veterinary medicine from Cornell University in 1984. Ostrum currently resides and practices veterinary medicine in Lowville, New York, less than 10 miles from my old stomping grounds in Brantingham.