1889 – 1977
The Life of Charlie Chaplin
A life that led from the poor streets of London to the most recognised face in the world.
The London years · 1889–1912
-
16 April 1889
Born in London
Charles Spencer Chaplin was born in London, the son of music hall performers Hannah and Charles Chaplin.
-
1896
Poverty and the workhouse
His father had left the family and his mother had fallen ill. Charlie and his older brother Sydney were sent to the workhouse and to a school for destitute children. These years became the source of the poor and lonely characters in his films.
-
1908
Fred Karno's company
With the help of his brother Sydney he joined Fred Karno's company, one of England's most famous comedy troupes, where he perfected his skill in pantomime.
-
1910
First journey to America
He toured America with the Karno company. On the second tour he caught the eye of film producers.
Short films and the Tramp · 1913–1920
-
1913
Contract with Keystone
He signed a contract with Mack Sennett's Keystone studio, and his film career began.
-
1914
First film and the birth of the Tramp
His first film, Making a Living, was released. The same year the Tramp, with his bowler hat and cane, was born. Before the year was out he had begun directing his own films.
-
1915
The Essanay period
He moved to the Essanay studio. With The Tramp he gave his character sadness and depth.
-
1916
Mutual and world fame
His contract with Mutual made him one of the highest-paid performers in the world. The short films of this period are still among his best-loved work.
-
1918
His own studio
He built his own studio in Hollywood. From then on he made his films with complete independence.
-
1919
United Artists
He founded United Artists together with Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks and D. W. Griffith.
The great features · 1921–1940
-
1921
The Kid
His first feature film, The Kid, was a huge success.
-
1925
The Gold Rush
The Gold Rush, which Chaplin said was the film he wanted to be remembered by, was released.
-
1929
First Oscar
At the first Academy Awards he received an honorary award for The Circus.
-
1931
City Lights
In the years when talking pictures were spreading, he made City Lights without dialogue, showing his devotion to silent film.
-
1936
Modern Times
Modern Times, in which he said farewell to the Tramp, was released.
-
1940
The Great Dictator
With his first full talkie, The Great Dictator, he satirised fascism.
Difficult years · 1941–1952
-
1943
Marriage to Oona
He married Oona O'Neill. The couple had eight children, and their marriage lasted until Chaplin's death.
-
1952
Leaving America
On his way to London for the premiere of Limelight, his permit to return to the United States was revoked. Chaplin did not return to America for many years.
Switzerland and the final years · 1953–1977
-
1953
Settling in Switzerland
He settled with his family in the Swiss village of Corsier-sur-Vevey.
-
1957
A King in New York
He shot A King in New York, a satire of America, in England.
-
1967
The last film
A Countess from Hong Kong, starring Marlon Brando and Sophia Loren, was the last film he directed.
-
1972
Return to Hollywood and an honorary Oscar
Returning to America after some twenty years, he received an honorary Oscar. The audience gave him a standing ovation that lasted for minutes.
-
1975
Knighthood
He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II and became Sir Charles Chaplin.
-
25 December 1977
His death
He died on Christmas Day at his home in Switzerland, at the age of 88.