Full Name: Sir Charles Spencer Chaplin
Date of Birth: April 16, 1889
Place of Birth: Walworth, England
Died: December 25, 1977
Place of Death: Vevey, Switzerland
Classification: Artists & Entertainers
As the creator of the beloved movie Tramp, Charlie Chaplin became one of the world’s most famous film icons. In an impressive seventy-year career with a plethora of movies being nominated and winning Oscars, Charlie Chaplin’s career is unmatched as a writer, actor, director, producer, and composer.
Born to two entertainers in England, Charlie Chaplin began acting just about the same time he began walking. Even after his father died when Charlie was only twelve-years old and his mother’s time in an asylum, he and his brother knew their only means of survival would be the stage. They kept acting in central London’s Music Hall and Charlie’s ‘big break’ came when he appeared as a sidekick cat at the London Hippodrome.
In 1912, Chaplin and his troupe went to the United States to do some shows. Charlie and his brother decided to stay as they foresaw the wonderful potential of film. No longer would they have to act each day on stage, but could be viewed throughout the world on film. By 1914, Chaplin was working for Keystone Studios where he was given support to not only act in films, but to produce and direct them as well. His genius was seen from the start and within two years, he had signed profitable deals with major studios. After only eighteen months, he released twelve films – an unprecedented feat.
His most famous film, called by many as the most innovative film ever, was City Lights, released in 1931. Chaplin resisted the move into sound from the silent-film era, but he did add musical scores and some sound to his movies. In what many call his most controversial and political movie, TheGreat Dictator was released in 1940 and depicted an evil dictator attempting to eradicate the Jews. Charlie Chaplin went on to form the United Artists film distribution company so his films would be delivered nationwide without having to be overseen by bigger companies in Hollywood. Even though his films went on to win Academy Awards and gain worldwide recognition, he decided to move back to England to get away from the controversy he was having with the media involving his love affairs. The United States would not renew his visa except for the times he would be receiving awards. Chaplin eventually moved to Switzerland with his wife and continued contributing to the film industry worldwide.
