Diana Sowle

Diana Mae Sowle ( Laumer; June 19, 1930 – October 19, 2018) was an American actress. She was best known for her role as Charlie Bucket's mother in the 1971 film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.

Early life The daughter of Gerald Kent Laumer and his wife Gladys Marie Laumer, Diana Mae Laumer was born in Chico, California on June 19, 1930. She was one of five siblings, In 1941, at the age of 10, she performed in the Betty Osborn Dance Revue at the Senator Theatre in Chico.

She attended Chico High School, and appeared in school plays, where she became interested in drama. Sowle graduated in 1949 and attended the University of Denver, after which she appeared in the play "The Drunkard". Sowle did voice-over for American plays and appeared in theater in Germany.

Career Film roles Sowle is best known for playing Mrs. Bucket, Charlie Bucket's mother, in the 1971 film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory and her performance of "Cheer Up Charlie" in that film, although her singing voice was dubbed by Diana Lee. Sowle joined the cast in Germany, where it was filmed.

Video game Sowle also gave voice to "Agatha" and other characters in the 2008 video game Fallout 3. Her last-known appearance was in May–June 2013. In mid-2012, Sowle appeared in a production of Love Letters, opposite actor Larry Storch in Farmville, Virginia, to benefit the Tom Mix Rangers.

Personal life Sowle lived in Germany for about 20 years starting in 1960 and had other homes, including one in Maryland (in the Washington, D.C., area). She was a mother of two and grandmother of four. Sowle's husband, Bill, worked for the CIA and died in 2013. Sowle ran a free tutoring program for underprivileged children in Washington D.C. for almost 25 years.

Death Sowle died of natural causes on October 19, 2018, at the age of 88. She was interred at Arlington National Cemetery.

Filmography Film Year Title Role Notes 1971 Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory Mrs. Bucket1994 Guarding Tess Hairdresser Clear and Present Danger Cartel Maid Final film role

Television Year Title Notes 2003 After They Were Famous 1 episode, Archive footage

Video games Year Title Role Notes 2008 Fallout 3 Old Lady Palmer / Agatha / Margaret Primrose / Manya Vargas / Bloomseer Poplar / Tiffany Cheng / Leaf Mother Laurel / Old Lady Dithers / Mother Maya Voice