Willy Wonka cast ages: How old was the cast of the original movie then (and now)?

On June 30, 1971, the world was introduced to the magic of Gene Wilder in the film production of Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. The film focused on a young boy named Charlie Bucket, who has the opportunity to be among five lucky holders of a golden ticket to go and visit the chocolate factory run by the mysterious owner who no one has seen before. What were the Willy Wonka cast ages at the time of the film’s release?

In the film, we meet Charlie and the rest of the children consisting of Augustus Gloop, Mike Teevee, Violet Beuregarde, and Veruca Salt as they tour the famous factory. With so much chaos befalling each of the children, it’s a fun tale to get lost in.

Having since spawned another version of the film in 2005, the original still holds as a favorite among Wonka fans. Now, a new film starring Timothée Chalamet, Wonka, will follow a young Willy Wonka as he meets the Oompa Loompas who are featured in the original film.

With the original movie having come out so long ago, what were the Willy Wonka cast ages at the time the film premiered?

How old was Gene Wilder in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory?

Playing the titular character in the film, Wilder is one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood. He was born on June 11, 1933, making him 38 when the film debuted. Wilder passed away on August 29, 2016 at the age of 83. He was also known for roles in The Producers and Young Frankenstein.

How old was Jack Albertson in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory?

Albertson played the loveable Grandpa Joe who joined Charlie for the tour of the Chocolate Factory. He was born on June 16, 1907, making him 64 when the film was released. One of his other roles was as a voice character in the film The Fox and the Hound. Albertson passed away on November 25, 1981 at the age of 84.

How old was Roy Kinnear in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory?

Kinnear played Veruca Salt’s father in the film and he was born on January 8, 1934, making him 37 when the film made its debut. He died on September 20, 1988 at the age of 54.

How old was Peter Ostrum in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory?

Ostrum played Charlie in the film and was born on November 1, 1957. This made him almost 14 years old when the film was released. Today, he is 65 years old. He actually only appeared in this film and led a private life afterwards.

How old was Julie Dawn Cole in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory?

Julie Dawn Cole played Veruca in the film and was born on October 26, 1957, making her 13 when the film was released. Like Ostrum, she is also currently 65 years old.

How old was Leonard Stone in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory?

Stone played Violet’s father in the film and was born on November 3, 1923 making him 47 when the film premiered. He has also been seen in other roles including the 1973 film Soylent Green and I Spy in 1965. He passed away on November 2, 2011 at age 87.

How old was Denise Nickerson in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory?

Nickerson played Violet in the film and was born on April 1, 1957, making her 14 when the film was released. She passed away on July 10, 2019 at age 62.

How old was Nora Denney in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory?

Denney played Mike Teevee’s mother and was born on September 3, 1927, making her 43 when the film premiered. She also has been seen in films such as Splash and The Witching Hour. She died on November 20, 2005 at age 78.

How old was Paris Themmen in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory?

Born on June 25, 1959, Themmen played Mike and was 12 years old when the film debuted. Today, he is 64 years old.

How old was Ursula Reit in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory?

Reit was a German actress who played the mother of Augustus Gloop. She was born on March 5, 1914, making her 57 when the film was released. She passed away on November 9, 1998 at the age of 84.

How old was Michael Bollner in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory?

Born on September 14, 1958, Bollner was almost 13 when the film made its debut. Today, he is currently 64 years old.

How old was Diane Sowle in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory?

Sowle played Charlie’s mother in the film and was born on June 19, 1930 making her 41 when the film was released. She passed away on October 19, 2018 at age 88. Other roles she has been in include Clear and Present Danger and Guarding Tess

How old was Günter Meisner in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory?

Meisner played Slugworth, who was a rival of Willy Wonka’s in the film. He was born on April 18, 1926 making him 45 when the film premiered. He died on December 6, 1994 at age 68.