Denise Nickerson (April 1, 1957 – July 10, 2019) was an American actress, best known for her roles as a child and teenager. She achieved international fame for her portrayal of the iconic character Violet Beauregarde, the gum-chewing obsessed girl, in the 1971 cult film *Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory*. Her television career includes significant appearances in popular productions such as the gothic soap opera *Dark Shadows*, in which she played the roles of Amy Jennings and Nora Collins, and the children's educational program *The Electric Company*, where she was a main cast member. Primarily active from the late 1960s to the 1970s, Nickerson retired from acting in 1978 after appearing in her final film, *Zero to Sixty*. Although she did not receive any major formal awards, her role as Violet earned her lasting recognition, cementing her image as one of the most memorable figures in the history of children's cinema.