Charlie Chaplin

Full Name: Charles Chaplin
Profession: Comedian, Actor and Filmmaker

Nationality:

Biography: Charlie Chaplin was born into poverty in England and started performing on the stage from a young age. After moving to America he became a film actor and famous worldwide for his tramp character in silent films.

Chaplin perfected his Tramp persona in Keystone films before founding United Artists Studio in Hollywood in 1919 with D.W. Griffith, Mary Pickford, and Douglas Fairbanks. The Studio went on to produce such famous Chaplin silent films as "The Kid" (1921), "The Gold Rush" (1925) and "Modern Times" (1936). All films that Chaplin wrote, directed and starred in.

Chaplin was one of only a handful of silent film makers who continued to make successful films in the sound era. "The Great Dictator" (1940) parodying Adolf Hitler and "Limelight" (1952) featuring fellow silent era star Buster Keaton are regarded amongst his best.

After having become a controversial figure for his Communist political views and marriages to much younger women, Chaplin left America while under investigation by the FBI and in 1953 settled in Switzerland.

Born: April 16, 1889
Birthplace: Walworth, London, England

Generation: Lost Generation
Star Sign: Aries

Died: December 25, 1977 (aged 88)
Cause of Death: Stroke