“Fans of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory were in for a nostalgic sugar rush when one of the film’s golden ticket winners made a surprise public appearance – and looked nearly unrecognizable.”, — write: www.dailymail.co.uk
Now 66, the former child star played one of the five lucky kids who toured Gene Wilder’s candy-colored chocolate factory in the beloved 1971 film based on Roald Dahl’s novel.
Clad in a laid-back red tee and jeans, the mystery man looked a world away from his on-screen alter ego – a brash, cowboy-costumed TV addict named Mike Teevee whose smart mouth often clashed with Wilder’s famously wry Wonka.
Though he disappeared from Hollywood not long after the film’s release to enjoy a ‘normal’ teenage life, he’s popped up over recent years in casting gigs, commercials, and stage shows.
And, of course, at fan conventions celebrating the movie’s other unforgettable lineup of characters: Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregarde, and Charlie Bucket.
So… which golden ticket holder is it?
If you guessed Paris Themmen, you’re absolutely right!
The 1971 film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory became an instant classic, beloved for its whimsical sets, dark humor, and Wilder’s iconic performance as the mysterious candy-maker.
Themmen starred alongside fellow young actors Peter Ostrum as Charlie, Denise Nickerson as Violet, Julie Dawn Cole as Veruca, and Michael Bollner as Augustus.
Though it had a modest box office run at the time, the film later found massive success through home video and TV airings, earning its place as a pop culture staple.
Boston-born Themmen had already done some stage and commercial work before landing the role of television-mad Mike Teevee — but after Willy Wonka, he stepped away from acting as a teenager, saying he just wanted ‘to be a kid.’
In adulthood, he returned to the entertainment industry here and there, taking on occasional TV roles and exploring work in film production and commercial casting.
Now Themmen 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.
Reflecting on his time filming in Munich with Gene Wilder and the rest of the cast, he told Collider:
Back in 2018, Themmen 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.
Themmen currently lives in Los Angeles with his wife of nine years, Nikki Grillos.