Peter Ostrum Who Played Charlie Bucket Opens Up About Gene Wilder's Passing

Peter Ostrum, who played Charlie Bucket in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, has shared a touching tribute to his former co-star Gene Wilder.

The former child star described Wilder's death as "kind of like losing a parent". Ostrum hadn't seen the legendary star since filming Willy Wonka in 1971, but said it was "still a shock".

"It's kind of like losing a parent," Ostrum told Variety. "You know it's going to happen, but it's still a shock. He was not in good health at the end and it was not unexpected by any means, but when it happens, it hits you like, 'Gene is gone and there will never be anyone like him again.'

"He was a gentle man, but he was also a gentleman. He treated people with respect and dignity."

"As a young actor filming Willy Wonka, I had the rare privilege of working with Gene who I greatly admired," he said. "He became my mentor and personal friend. For that I will always be grateful. So shines a good deed in a weary world," Ostrum said to ABC News. 

In case you missed it, check out this video of six of the stars reuniting last year.