Birth name: Charles Spencer Chaplin Birth:16 April 1889 Died:25 December 1977 Nationality: Hollywood Walk Star: Yes
Career / Biography
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 having come from a theatrical family, but he came from a difficult background . He worked for Fred Karno and learnt his trade. In 1910 he went to America with this troupe along with Stan Laurel. His first films were with Keystone founded by Mack Sennett. His first being Making a Living in 1914. His second film was Mabel's Strange Predicament and this was the film where he created his tramp character. He soon started directing his own films starting with the 2 reeler Dough And Dynamite. He made 35 films in his frst year with Mack Sennett. He then signed for Essanay to make 14 films that he would direct and act in. In 1915 the Essanay company licencedthe tramp image to promote the Chaplin brand. His tramp character developed from the musical hall style to longer film style. He worked with Edna Purviance in over 30 films during this period. It was here that he made his firt major significant film, The Tramp. In 1916 he moved to Mutual Film Company. Whilst ther he he made Easy Street and The Imigrant, two of his more significant films and his 12 films there made him an international success. 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.
