From Chocolate River To Code: 5 Shocking Facts About Philip Wiegratz, Augustus Gloop's Actor, Now A Software Developer

The story of Philip Wiegratz is one of the most surprising career pivots in Hollywood history, a true 'then-and-now' transformation that has captivated fans of early 2000s cinema. Today, in late 2025, the German former actor, best known globally for his iconic role as the gluttonous Augustus Gloop in Tim Burton's 2005 film *Charlie and the Chocolate Factory*, has completely stepped away from the spotlight to pursue a highly technical career. His journey from being a child star covered in chocolate syrup to a skilled professional in the tech industry is a testament to prioritizing a private life over public fame. Wiegratz’s brief but memorable acting career laid the foundation for his current professional life, which is now firmly rooted in the world of software development. While many of his co-stars from the Willy Wonka film continued in acting, Wiegratz chose a different path, finding success and stability behind a computer screen rather than in front of a camera. This article details his full biography, filmography, and his current, surprising career as a full-time Software Developer.

Philip Wiegratz: Biography and Profile

Philip Wiegratz is a German former actor who gained international recognition for his debut film role in a major Hollywood production.

• Full Name: Philip Wiegratz
• Date of Birth: February 17, 1993
• Age (as of late 2025): 32 years old
• Place of Birth: Germany
• Nationality: German
• Known For: Playing Augustus Gloop in *Charlie and the Chocolate Factory* (2005)
• Last Known Acting Role: A film or television role in a German production around 2013.
• Current Profession: Software Developer / Software Engineer
• Current Employer: bridgefield GmbH (since February 2019)

The Golden Ticket: From Augustus Gloop to German Cinema

Wiegratz’s career began with a bang, landing the role of Augustus Gloop, the first child to find a Golden Ticket and the first to be eliminated from Willy Wonka's factory tour.

The character, a greedy, overweight boy from Düsseldorf, Germany, was famously sucked up a pipe after falling into a river of chocolate.

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Despite the role requiring him to wear a fat suit for the duration of filming, Wiegratz’s performance was hailed as a highlight of the Tim Burton adaptation.

The experience, however, did not lead to a lasting Hollywood career.

A Focus on German-Language Roles

Following the 2005 blockbuster, Philip Wiegratz shifted his focus entirely to German-language films and television, building a solid resume in his native country.

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His post-*Charlie* filmography demonstrates a commitment to popular German children’s and young adult cinema, primarily in supporting roles.

Notable projects include:

• *Es ist ein Elch entsprungen* (2005): A German Christmas film released in the same year as his Hollywood debut.
• *Die Wilden Hühner* Trilogy (2006–2009): Wiegratz starred as Steve in the highly successful trilogy: *Die Wilden Hühner* (2006), *Die wilden Hühner und die Liebe* (2007), and *Die wilden Hühner und das Leben* (2009). These films are a significant part of his German filmography.
• *Die Wölfe* (2008): A German television miniseries.
• *KRIMI.DE* (2009): An appearance in the German crime television series.
• *Lore* (2012): A critically acclaimed historical drama set in post-World War II Germany.

His last known acting credit is generally cited to be around 2013, marking the quiet end of his career as a professional actor.

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The Ultimate Career Pivot: Life as a Software Developer

The most fascinating and unique update on Philip Wiegratz is his complete transition out of the entertainment industry and into the field of technology.

Unlike many child stars who attempt to remain in the public eye, Wiegratz chose a path that offers privacy and a stable, high-demand skill set.

He is now a full-time Software Developer (also known as a Software Engineer).

This career change highlights a significant shift in his life priorities, moving from the creative chaos of film sets to the logical structure of computer programming.

Working in the Tech Industry

Wiegratz officially began his confirmed career in software development in February 2019, taking on a role at a German company called bridgefield GmbH.

This move confirms the rumors that circulated for years about the former actor's new profession.

His work as a Software Developer involves designing, implementing, and maintaining software systems, a far cry from memorizing lines or being dunked into a vat of fake chocolate.

The technical nature of his job, often involving complex problem-solving and coding, showcases an intellectual curiosity that was perhaps not fully explored during his time in front of the camera.

Privacy and Social Media Presence

In his new life, Philip Wiegratz has maintained a very low public profile.

He is not an active celebrity on platforms like Twitter or Instagram, preferring to keep his personal life private, a common choice for former child actors who seek a normal life.

While he may have a presence on professional networking sites like LinkedIn, as suggested by his current job information, he has successfully avoided the constant scrutiny that follows most Hollywood figures.

This dedication to privacy means that his current life is focused on his work, personal interests, and development in the tech field, rather than chasing fame.

Augustus Gloop's Legacy and Wiegratz's Future

Even though Philip Wiegratz is no longer acting, his portrayal of Augustus Gloop remains a beloved and often-referenced part of the *Charlie and the Chocolate Factory* universe.

His character is an important entity in the Roald Dahl story, representing the vice of gluttony, and his iconic scene with the Oompa Loompas is a memorable moment for millions of viewers worldwide.

Today, as a Software Engineer, Wiegratz embodies a different kind of success—one built on hard work, skill development, and a deliberate choice to step away from the pressures of fame.

His story serves as a unique and positive example of a child star successfully transitioning into a fulfilling, stable, and entirely different professional career, proving that a golden ticket to Hollywood is not the only path to a successful adult life.

Fans who search for updates on the former actor can rest assured that Philip Wiegratz is thriving in his chosen field, far from the sticky, sweet dangers of the chocolate river.