Charlie Chaplin (1889 - 1977), was an English motion picture actor, director, producer, and composer, on of the most creative artists in the film history, who first achieved worldwide fame through his performances in silent films. His full name was Sir Charles Spencer Chaplin.
Born in London, as a child Chaplin appeared in music hall and apntomime performances. In 1910 he toured the United States with a pantomime toupe and decided to remain in the country. Chaplin first appeared on the screen in 1914 with the Keystone Film Company of American director Mack Sennett. In Kid Auto Races at Venice (1914), wearing baggy pants, enormous shoes, and a bowler hat and carrying a bamboo cane, he originated his world - famous character, the Tramp. He played this classic role in more than 10 films during his career. He was associated later with the Essanay Film Company, the Mutual Film Company, and the First National Film Company. In 1918 his own studio in Hollywood, California, was completed. During these years Chaplin gradually developed the tramp character from a jaunty, slapstick stereotype into the compassionate human figure that came to be loved by audiences throughout the world. In 1919 he helped found the United Artists Corporation, with which he was associated until 1952. Important pictures Chaplin produced, directed, and starred in include The Kid (1921), The Pilgrim (1923), The Gold Rush (1925), The Circus (1928), City lights (1931), Modern Times (1936), The Great Dictator (1940), Monsieur Verdoux (1947), Limelight (1952), and A King in New York (1957). Chaplin wrote, directed, and played in A Countess from Hong Kong (1967). He also composed background music for most of his films.
