Have you ever watched your favourite film and thought, ‘Where is that actor now?’. One minute they are getting papped in their pyjamas, the next they are back in education yearning for a normal life. For many actors, landing a lead role in a Hollywood blockbuster is a dream come true—but for others, one film in the spotlight is enough.
![[Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka and Peter Ostrum as Charlie Bucket on the set of the fantasy film 'Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory', based on the book by Roald Dahl, 1971. (Photo by Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images)]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SEI_229347115-170e.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
Indeed, some actors get a taste of fame and wish for nothing but to be back under the radar. Let’s see who slipped off our silver screen into the abyss. Here are seven actors who starred in huge roles but decided to call it quits after one red carpet….
![[Editorial use only. No book cover usage. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Tristar/Amblin/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock (5885013x) Amber Scott Hook - 1991 Director: Steven Spielberg Tristar/Amblin USA Film Portrait]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_237167077-5f0b.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
The classic 1970s film follows the story of Charlie Bucket (Peter Ostrum), who is one of the lucky children to win one of Willy Wonka’s golden tickets and be let inside his secret chocolate factory. Ostrum was only 12 years old when he was selected by talent agents after performing at the Cleveland Playhouse Children’s Theatre.
![[Editorial use only. No book cover usage. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Miramax/Everett/REX/Shutterstock (498740e) 'THE AVIATOR' Gwen Stefani as Jean Harlow, Leonardo DiCaprio as Howard Hughes 'THE AVIATOR' FILM - 2004]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_237167029-5e5e.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
The film, based on the award-winning Roald Dahl book, eventually grossed $4million (£3.2m), with the huge potential to propel Ostrum to stardom. The child actor was offered a three-film contract by director David L. Wolper, however, he opted not to sign the contracts in the hope of having his own freedom over future projects.
![[Mandatory Credit: Photo by REX/Shutterstock (5725235c) Carrie Henn Aliens - 1986]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_237167038-910a.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
He went on to receive his doctorate of veterinary medicine and has worked as a veterinarian ever since. Amber Scott was only seven years old when she starred in the fantasy feature film, Hook. Based on the book Peter and Wendy by J.M. Barrie, the popular film won six awards and received 24 nominations.
![[Editorial use only. No book cover usage. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Paramount/Everett/REX/Shutterstock (436121f) Robert Tsai, Jack Black, Kevin Clark, Rebecca Brown 'THE SCHOOL OF ROCK' FILM STILLS - 2003]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_237166960-2184.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
