Paris Themmen was only 11 years old when he starred in the beloved 1971 movie Willy Wonk & The Chocolate Factory.
But now, more than five decades after it appeared in the movie, it looks completely different.
The former children’s star played Mike Teevee in the very popular family film, one of the fortunate five who won a gold ticket and was able to tour the dazzling Chocolate factory of Gene Wilder.
The actor, now 66, has reflected on the film 54 years after its launch, launching a wave of nostalgia worldwide.
Paris explained to remember the magazine in a new interview that, while the film, which was based on the 1964 Roald Dahl novel, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, is immensely popular now, was not really successful at the beginning.
«When he left, he went and left,» he recalled. «I think they recovered their millions of dollars for the movie budget.»
It was after he started playing on cable television years later that he really took off.
‘They started playing only once a year. I think he started in thanksgiving. It was like appointment television. You had to wait, something like Oz’s wizard, «Paris continued.
Paris Themmen was only 11 when he starred in the beloved 1971 movie Willy Wonk & The Chocolate Factory
But now, more than five decades after it appeared in the movie, it looks completely different. He has seen in February
«And just around that moment, I would say that it is probably in the mid -80s, it began to be clear that I was going to have legs and would continue to be popular for years.»
The film first arrived at theaters in 1971 and, as Paris said, it was not a financial success in any way despite receiving positive criticism criticism and obtaining a series of awards nominations.
But it advances so far, and it is a film that is loved by millions, many of which consider it a basic element of their childhood.
His capricious sets, black humor and, of course, the iconic performance of Gene as the mysterious sweet manufacturer is what really makes him memorable.
While chatting with Reind, Paris remembered having filmed the film in Munich, Germany, for nine weeks as a child.
«Every day was a new adventure,» he said. ‘(The chocolate room) was the most impressive set.
‘It was built by Harper Goff, whom they borrowed from Disney. He also designed the Nautilus for 20,000 leagues (under the sea).
And according to the star, the surprised look of his character when he entered the room for the first time was real.
The former children’s star played Mike Teevee (extreme right) in the very popular film: one of the five lucky children who won a golden ticket and was able to travel the dazzling chocolate factory of Gene Wilder
The actor, now 66, has reflected on the film 54 years after its launch, launching a wave of nostalgia worldwide. It has seen it in 2023
Paris, who is seen last year, told Remind magazine: «Every day it was a new adventure»
«I was surprised at the time I saw the room, although I think they may have used my second surprise taking,» he said.
‘But Julie (Dawn Cole), who played Veruca Salt, actually took a look before the instructions that were not allowed to enter there and we should not show the room to the children. He actually entered and had a small picnic next to the river.
He added that the children were allowed to eat some of the sweets on the set, revealing: ‘I ate a little of the gum that I jumped up and down through the father’s rubber tree.
‘I like the three -plates gum in the inventions room, that was very tasty. It was like a couple of different types of caramel that crushed. I really liked that.
‘I ate a couple. And when I returned as a third, the type of support said, no, we need some to make the movie so you can’t have more. »
He concluded: ‘It was an incredible room in an incredible movie to do. It was a great experience if you are going to be in a movie like an 11 -year -old boy, I recommend that you choose Willy ‘.
Paris starred with young actors young Peter Ostrum such as Charlie, Denise Nickerson as Violet, Julie Dawn Cole as Teruca and Michael Bollner as Augustus
All grown now, its appearance has certainly changed a lot since the movie came out
Although it disappeared from Hollywood not long after the movie launch to enjoy a ‘normal’ teenage life, it has appeared in recent years with occasional television roles and commercial casting
Paris starred along with young actors Peter Ostrum such as Charlie, Denise Nickerson as Violet, Julie as Teruca and Michael Bollner as Augustus.
All grown now, its appearance has certainly changed a lot since the movie came out.
He had already done some stage and commercial work before obtaining Mike’s role on television, but after Willy Wonka, he moved away from acting, saying he just wanted to «be a child.»
Although he disappeared from Hollywood not long after the movie launch to enjoy a «normal ‘teenage life, she appeared in recent years with occasional television roles and commercial casting.
Now, Paris often firm autographs in Fan Conventions, directs a photography business and makes sporadic appearances in commercials, scenic productions and television programs.
He also founded Access International, a travel service that organized charter flights to Europe for backpackers.
In 2018, Paris also made a surprise appearance as a contestant in Jeopardy! – But he didn’t mention his past Willy Wonka during the episode.
Instead, Alex Trebek was introduced as an entrepreneur and avid backpacker; He scored a double newspaper, but finally ended in second place with $ 6,800.
He currently lives in Los Angeles with his nine -year -old wife, Nikki Grillos.
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