Charles Spencer Charlie Chaplin was a British actor, comedian and director. He was a very influencial figure the silent era of films and particularly his iconic character The Tramp. He started his career in England before moving to America in his late teens. His early films were with Keystone and Essanay, then in 1919 he co-founded United Artists which gave him full control over all aspects of his films. His films The Gold Rush, City Lights, Modern Times and The Great Dictator are considered some of he greatest films ever made. His films are notable for being a mixture of slapstick, pathos and social comment.