Charles Chaplin

Chaplin was born in London in 1889. His father died when he was 12 years old. His mother was a professional singer, and was later institutionalized. So he had to very quickly develop a very independent way of living. From his mother, he learned the showbiz angle.

With his brother, he started into the British version of what we would think of as Vaudeville in the comedy acts that were on stage. With this comedy company, he began working within London and around England. He also toured the US Vaudeville circuit. Vaudeville is a name that indicates a theater where a certain type of comedic action went on.

Chaplin worked with Stan Laurel of Laurel and Hardy fame. He stayed in America in 1912, and with his brother he started to tour the American comedy scene. In 1913, when he was 24, he joined Mack Sennett’s Keystone Film Company, and starred in many of the short films that were in that Keystone film stock. And within the first few years, he began to develop his tramp character.

At the age of 25, Chaplin turned to directing his films. His first directorial debut came with Essanay Films. He became the most recognizable person on the planet. And one could say he still remains that.