Charles Chaplin

Charlie Chaplin, regarded as one of the most influential performers of the early days of Hollywood, led an intriguing life both in front of and behind the camera. He is most known as a silent-film icon, often linked with his iconic figure, the Little Tramp; the man with the toothbrush mustache, bowler hat, bamboo cane, and a peculiar stride.

Charles Spencer Chaplin was born on April 16, 1889, in Walworth, London, England, to Hannah Harriet Pedlingham (Hill) and Charles Chaplin, both music hall artists who married on June 22, 1885. Hannah attempted to rekindle her theatrical career when Charles Sr. split from her to perform in New York City. Unfortunately, her singing voice had a habit of breaking at inconvenient times. When this happened, the stage manager noticed little Charlie waiting in the wings and took him on stage, where he proceeded to perform a famous song.

Between his mother's episodes of insanity, Charlie and his half-brother, Syd Chaplin, spent their childhood in and out of charity institutions and workhouses. Hannah was committed to Cane Hill Asylum in May 1903 and remained there until Chaplin brought her to California in 1921. Chaplin's official acting career began when he was eight years old when he toured with the Eight Lancashire Lads. At the age of 18, he began traveling with Fred Karno's vaudeville team, joining them on their 1910 tour of the United States.

Detailed information:
Born: April 16, 1889, in Walworth, London, England, UK
Died: December 25, 1977, in Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland (stroke)
Birth Name: Charles Spencer Chaplin
Nicknames: Charlie Charlot, The Little Tramp