Business & Money

Known as: An actor

Then: A veterinarian

Peter Ostrum looked set to find great success as an actor (or at least temporary fame as a child star) after his acclaimed role of Charlie Bucket in the classic 1971 film 'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory' alongside Gene Wilder. Following the film's success that banked on his presence as the film's crux, he was promptly offered a three-picture contract but he turned it down.

Stating that acting simply wasn't for him, he went back home and began to lead a decisively normal life. He earned a veterinary medical degree from Cornell University and is now a successful vet, specialising in cattle and horses in New York. 'Willy Wonka' remains his only acting role.