Television March 15, 2018
'Willy Wonka' Child Star Appeared on 'Jeopardy' and the Internet Was Delighted
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Paris Themmen tried to compete on “Jeopardy” without bringing attention to his celebrity past… but it didn't work!
The Internet quickly recognized him as Mike Teevee from the 1971 film “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.”
Paris, now 58, was just 11 when he appeared alongside Gene Wilder in the classic film as TV-loving know-it-all Mike,who was the fourth child to find a coveted Golden Ticket.
When Alex Trebek asked Themmen about himself, the former child star focused on his extensive travels.
The Internet was not fooled! One fan tweeted, “Is nobody realizing that Paris on Jeopardy right now, is Mike TV from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory?.... Like legit it's the actor.”
Another asked in all caps, “SO ARE WE JUST GUNNA ACT LIKE THAT ISNT MIKE TV FROM WILLY WONKA ON #JEOPARDY RIGHT NOW?!”
One viewer couldn't contain his excitement, writing, “Mike TV is on Jeopardy and i'm way more excited about it than I should be. Go Paris Themmen!”
Meanwhile, a user couldn't help but tweet the obvious: “Mike TeeVee is... on TV! I knew this guy looked familiar. #WillyWonka #Jeopardy”
Sadly, Themmen won't be back. He finished in second place.
In 2014, Paris reunited with his "Willy Wonka" castmates at The Hollywood Show in L.A. Check out the pic! From left to right: Michael Bollner (Augustus Goop), Denise Nickerson (Violet Beauregarde), Peter Ostrum (Charlie), Diana Sowle (Mrs. Bucket), Paris (Mike Teevee) and Julie Dawn Cole Poses (Veruca Salt).
