He eventually became a worldwide icon through his screen persona, "The Tramp", and is considered one of the most important figures in the history of the film industry.
At nineteen, Chaplin was signed to the prestigious English theatre impresario of the British music hall Fred Karno company, which took him to the United States.
From there, Chaplin was scouted for the film industry and began appearing in 1914 for Keystone Studios. He soon developed the Tramp persona and formed a large fan base.
Afterwards, Chaplin directed his own films and continued to hone his craft as he moved to the Essanay, Mutual, and First National corporations. By 1918, he was one of the best-known figures in the world.
Among his credits in the 1920s, Chaplin was best known for directing and starring in the 1925 American silent black and white comedy/adventure film 'The Gold Rush'.
Also in that decade, Chaplin was known for directing and starring in the one-hour 1921 American silent black and white comedy-drama film 'The Kid. The film also featured Jackie Coogan as The Kid, who at that time was the highest-padi child actor.
In the 1930s, Chaplin was best known for directing and starring in the 1931 American pre-Code silent black and white romantic comedy film 'City Lights' and the 1936 American silent black and white comedy film 'Modern Times'.
For the latter, Chaplin officially retired The Tramp, which appropriately ended with the character walking down an endless highway toward the horizon with Paulette Goddard, created as A Gamin. The film was only a partial talkie and is often called the last silent film.
At the time, Chaplin was married to Goddard, his third wife. However, they were divorced in 1942.
During 1940s, Chaplin was best known for directing and starring in the 1947 American black and white comedy/dark comedy film 'Monsieur Verdoux'.
Orson Welles received a 'story by' credit in the film. However, Chaplin and Welles disagreed on the exact circumstances that led to the film's production.
Although both men agreed that Welles initially approached Chaplin with the idea of having Chaplin star in a film as either a character based on French serial killer Henri Désiré Landru or Landru himself, both men's stories diverge considerably.
Although both men agreed that Welles initially approached Chaplin with the idea of having Chaplin star in a film as either a character based on French serial killer Henri Désiré Landru or Landru himself, both men's stories diverge considerably.
Also during that same decade, Chaplin was known for directing in starring in the 1940 American black and white political satire/comedy-drama film 'The Great Dictator'.
Having been the only Hollywood filmmaker to continue to make silent films well into the period of sound films, this was Chaplin's first true sound film. An obvious spoof of Adolph Hitler, Chaplin delivers what is considered to be one of the greatest speeches in film history.
In the 1950s, Chaplin is known for directing and starring in the 1952 American black and white drama/comedy-drama film 'Limelight'.
Of his eight children he had with his Bermudian-born English actress (as well as fourth and final wife) Oona O'Neill, the most well known is his eldest daughter. This was English-American actress Geraldine Chaplin ('Doctor Zhivago', 'Nashville', 'Cría Cuervos', 'The Age of Innocence', 'Talk to Her').
In 1972, Chaplin received an Honorary Academy Award for "the incalculable effect he has had in making motion pictures the art form of this century" as part of a renewed appreciation for his work. This occurred at the 44th Academy Awards in April of that same year.
In the 1990s, English actor, filmmaker, entrepreneur, and politician Richard Attenborough ('Gandhi') directed the 1992 British-American biographical drama/comedy film 'Chaplin'.
Starring Robert Downey Jr. and Geraldine Chaplin (as his mother Hannah), the film tells of Chaplin's humble beginnings in British vaudeville to the comic genius in his silent movie career in America.
Chaplin passed from a stroke in his sleep on December 25, 1977 as his Manoir de Ban in Riviera-Pays-d'Enhaut District, Vaud, Switzerland. He was 88.
Of his features, six of Chaplin's films have been selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the United States Library of Congress.
Chaplin composed, edited, wrote, produced, directed and starred for most of his films. He was a perfectionist, and his financial independence enabled him to spend years on the development and production of a picture.
His films are characterised by slapstick combined with pathos, typified in the Tramp's struggles against adversity. Many contain social and political themes, as well as autobiographical elements.
On April 16, 2011, a Google Doodle was created on what would have been Chaplin's 122nd birthday.
Chaplin had been active from 1899–1976.
Chaplin had been active from 1899–1976.
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