Paris Themmen was only 11 years old when he starred in the beloved 1971 film Willy Wonk & the Chocolate Factory. 

But now, more than five decades after he appeared in the flick, he looks completely different.

The former child star played Mike Teevee in the wildly popular family movie – one of the five lucky kids who won a golden ticket and got to tour Gene Wilder’s dazzling chocolate factory.

The actor, now 66, has reflected on the movie 54 years after its release, launching a wave of nostalgia across the globe.

Paris explained to ReMIND magazine in a new interview that while the film, which was based on Roald Dahl‘s 1964 novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, is immensely popular now, it wasn’t actually successful at first.

‘When it came out, it sort of came and went,’ he recalled. ‘I think they made their million bucks back for the budget of the film.’

It was after it started playing on cable TV years later that it really took off.

‘They started playing it only once a year. I think it started out on Thanksgiving. It was like appointment TV. You had to wait, sort of like the Wizard of Oz,’ Paris continued. 

Paris Themmen was only 11 years old when he starred in the beloved 1971 film Willy Wonk & the Chocolate Factory

But now, more than five decades after he appeared in the flick, he looks completely different. He’s seen in February

‘And right around that time, I would say that’s probably the mid-to-late ’80s, it started to become clear that it was going to have legs and continue to be popular for years.’

The movie first hit theaters in 1971 and as Paris stated, it was not a financial success by any means despite receiving positive reviews from critics and earning a slew of award nominations.

But flash forward to now, and its a movie that’s beloved by millions, many of whom consider it a staple of their childhoods. 

Its whimsical sets, dark humor, and of course, Gene’s iconic performance as the mysterious candy-maker are what truly make it memorable.

While chatting with ReMIND, Paris recalled filming the movie in Munich, Germany, for nine weeks as a kid. 

‘Every day was a new adventure,’ he gushed. ‘[The Chocolate Room] was the most impressive set.

‘It was built by Harper Goff, who they borrowed from Disney. He also designed the Nautilus for 20,000 Leagues [Under the Sea].’

And according to the star, his character’s shocked look upon entering the room for the first time was real.

The former child star played Mike Teevee (far right) in the wildly popular movie – one of the five lucky kids who won a golden ticket and got to tour Gene Wilder’s dazzling chocolate factory

The actor, now 66, has reflected on the movie 54 years after its release, launching a wave of nostalgia across the globe. He’s seen in 2023

Paris, who is seen last year, told ReMIND magazine, ‘Every day was a new adventure’

‘I was surprised at the moment that I saw the room, although I think they may have used my second take of surprise,’ he said. 

‘But Julie [Dawn Cole] – who played Veruca Salt – actually got a sneak peek before the instructions went out that we weren’t allowed to go in there and shouldn’t show the room to the kids. She actually went in and had a little picnic by the river.’

He added that the kids were indeed allowed to eat some the candy on set, revealing, ‘I ate some of the gum that I jumped up and down for father gum tree.

‘I like the three-course gum in the Inventing Room, that was very tasty. It was like a couple of different kinds of toffee that they squished together. I really liked that one.

‘I ate a couple. And when I went back for like a third one, the prop guy was like, No, we need some to make the movie so you can’t have any more.’

He concluded, ‘It was an amazing room in an amazing film to make. It was a great experience if you’re going to be in a film as an 11-year-old, I recommend that you choose Willy.’ 

Paris starred alongside fellow young actors Peter Ostrum as Charlie, Denise Nickerson as Violet, Julie Dawn Cole as Veruca, and Michael Bollner as Augustus

All grown up now, his appearance has certainly changed a lot since the movie came out

Though he disappeared from Hollywood not long after the film’s release to enjoy a ‘normal’ teenage life, he’s popped up in recent years with occasional TV roles and commercial casting

Paris starred alongside fellow young actors Peter Ostrum as Charlie, Denise Nickerson as Violet, Julie as Veruca, and Michael Bollner as Augustus. 

All grown up now, his appearance has certainly changed a lot since the movie came out.

He had already done some stage and commercial work before landing the role of television-mad Mike – but after Willy Wonka, he stepped away from acting, saying he just wanted ‘to be a kid.’ 

Though he disappeared from Hollywood not long after the film’s release to enjoy a ‘normal’ teenage life, he’s popped up in recent years with occasional TV roles and commercial casting. 

Now, Paris often 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, Paris 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.  

He currently lives in Los Angeles with his wife of nine years, Nikki Grillos.