More than half a century after Mike Teavee begged to be beamed through a television screen, the boy who brought him to life has traded chocolate rivers for something a little greener. Paris Themmen, best known for playing the TV-obsessed troublemaker in the 1971 family classic Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, was recently spotted shopping for plants in Los Angeles.
Paris Themmen Steps Out in LA, 55 Years After ‘Willy Wonka’ Fame: See Him Then & Now
In photos published by The Daily Mail, Paris, 67, dressed casually for the outing in a dark T-shirt, green sweatpants, black sneakers, and a beige baseball cap.
The former child actor has mostly stepped away from Hollywood, but his memorable performance alongside Gene Wilder still earns him recognition from generations of movie fans.
What Happened to Mike Teavee Actor Paris Themmen?
Paris pursued several different interests after his childhood success. His later screen credits include a voice role in the 1994 miniseries “Macross Plus” and the 1999 television movie “Screenplay.”
He also appeared as a fan in a 2000 episode of “Star Trek: Voyager,” which became his last notable acting role.
Outside the entertainment industry, Paris developed a passion for travel. According to The Sun, in his early 20s, he created Access International, a service that organized charter flights to Europe for backpackers.
He has reportedly visited 61 countries across six continents.
According to the outlet, he now runs a photography business and occasionally appears in commercials, television programs, and stage productions. He also meets fans and signs autographs at movie conventions.
Why Did ‘Jeopardy!’ Viewers Recognize Paris Themmen?
Paris made an unexpected return to television in 2018 when he competed on “Jeopardy!”
He did not mention his connection to “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” during his introduction. Instead, he described himself to then-host Alex Trebek as an “entrepreneur and backpacker” from North Hollywood, California, as per US Weekly.
What Did Paris Themmen Remember About the ‘Willy Wonka’ Set?
GettyThe cast filmed much of the beloved movie in Munich, Germany. Paris later recalled being surprised that the production brought American candy to a region famous for its chocolate.
“And yet, they shipped Hershey bars, Almond Joys and Mounds to us from America, so that was a bit of a crime against chocolate and humanity that they did that,” he told Collider in 2021.
He also revealed that some of the factory’s apparently edible creations were substitutes made for filming.
“I liked the gum, which wasn’t gum. It was actually taffy,” he said. “It was the three-course gum, which wasn’t gum. It was taffy, but it was very yummy. I liked that one.”
As per The Daily Mail, Paris lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Nikki Grillos. The couple has been married for nine years.
Although he rarely acts today, his convention appearances keep him connected to the movie that launched his career.
