[on making Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)]: The entire experience was better than enjoyable. It was really interesting. But I had a chance to see what everyone's job entailed and I knew I didn't want to do any of those things for a living. Including being stars like Gene Wilder and Jack Albertson. When it was over I was anxious to become just another kid again. Show less «

For a long time I hated talking about the movie. When anyone brought it up, I wanted to change the topic. I didn't want to be known as that former child actor. Now, since I've been out of the industry for so long and have grown up, I look on the whole experience with fond memories and see it as a wonderful part of my life. It's fun to reflect now with the maturity that I didn't have at one point when I was younger. Show less «

He frightened me! We had become good friends during the filming, so I had no idea why he was yelling at me during the scene. The director then yells "cut" and Gene all of sudden smiles and was like "great job!" I was so confused on what just happened, but realized he and David (Seltzer) had prepared how to do the scene and didn't want to tell me so they could get a more genuine reaction. What can you say, it worked. Show less «

[on how he almost returned to performing]: When I made Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971), acting was something that interested me. It still does, but not as a profession. The only time I ever considered it again was when I heard they were holding auditions to replace Peter Firth in 'Equus' on Broadway. My thinking was that, perhaps I should at least present myself. Getting the part would have been like lightning striking twice, but I didn't get it. So I continued in school with the same majors - animal husbandry and veterinary medicine. Show less «

When the picture was over, it was like it had never happened. I returned to school and by the time it was in theatres I'd changed a lot so I wasn't even recognised much. So, when I was, it was always a nice experience because people like 'Charlie'. He's a nice kid. My parents told me to look on it as an experience, which is what I did....My mom and dad were not at all stage parents. They made sure I had a clear choice about what I did for a living. I'm really grateful to them because being a veterinarian is very gratifying. Show less «

Do I regret turning down the movie offer? I don't think so. I love the job I am doing right now. Granted it is about as far away from Hollywood as you can get, but I have a feeling of self-satisfaction with it. I don't believe that I made the right choice or the wrong choice. I made a choice that fit what I wanted, and it shaped how life unfolded for me. Would have life been better if I took the movie offer? Maybe, but I'll never know, and it's something I'll never question. Show less «