Julie Dawn Cole was twelve when she was cast in the iconic role of Veruca Salt, during the pre-production phase of Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory, in the first half of 1970 (she celebrated her 13th birthday eight weeks into the film’s 11½-week filming schedule in Southern Germany’s sprawling production complex, on the day she performed her song “I Want It Now”). The film debuted in New York on 30 June 1971 and in London the following week, with Julie chosen to present a bouquet of flowers to Princess Margaret at the Royal Premiere.
The film tells the story of Charlie Bucket as he receives a golden ticket and visits Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory with four other children from around the world. Veruca Salt was the obnoxious little girl that wanted everything now !!!
On a freezing cold December evening, we felt the love and warmth from Julie, as well as Michael Barber who came dressed as one of Santa’s elves. Michael gave out cuddly toys to the children and Julie, gave out a signed gold Wonka ticket for the best question, and we all sat enthralled by Julie’s stories and then we watched and sung along to Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory along with Julie. What a great way to spend a December afternoon and evening in the gallery of dreams
Official Photographs Taken By John Gaffen and Hrastic Imagery