Charlie Chaplin's Milestones
Birth
Charles Spencer Chaplin was born in London, England, to music hall entertainers Charles Chaplin Sr. and Hannah Hill.
Early poverty and hardship
Grew up in poverty after his father left and his mother struggled with illness, spending time in workhouses and charity schools.
First stage performance
Made his first stage appearance at age 5, filling in for his mother.
Joined Eight Lancashire Lads
Joined the Eight Lancashire Lads clog-dancing troupe, touring music halls.
Mother institutionalized
His mother was committed to a mental asylum, and Chaplin spent time in workhouses.
Joined Fred Karno troupe
Joined Fred Karno's vaudeville troupe, touring the UK and US and honing his comedic skills.
Moved to the US
Moved to the United States with the Fred Karno troupe, gaining exposure to American audiences.
Signed with Keystone Studios
Signed with Keystone Studios in the US, launching his film career.
Created 'The Tramp' character
Debuted his iconic character 'The Tramp' in 'Kid Auto Races at Venice.'
Directed first film
Directed his first film, 'Caught in the Rain,' marking the start of his directing career.
Signed with Mutual Film Corporation
Signed a lucrative contract with Mutual, producing some of his most acclaimed short films.
Married Mildred Harris
Married actress Mildred Harris, his first of four marriages.
Founded United Artists
Co-founded United Artists with Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, and D.W. Griffith.
Released 'The Kid'
Released 'The Kid,' his first full-length feature film, blending comedy and drama.
Married Lita Grey
Married actress Lita Grey, his second wife, with whom he had two sons.
Released 'The Gold Rush'
Released 'The Gold Rush,' considered one of the greatest silent films ever made.
Released 'City Lights'
Released 'City Lights,' considered one of the greatest silent films ever made.
Released 'Modern Times'
Released 'Modern Times,' a satire on industrial society.
Married Paulette Goddard
Married actress Paulette Goddard, his third wife.
Released 'The Great Dictator'
Released 'The Great Dictator,' his first true sound film and a bold satire of Hitler.
Married Oona O'Neill
Married Oona O'Neill, daughter of playwright Eugene O'Neill; they had eight children.
Released 'Monsieur Verdoux'
Released 'Monsieur Verdoux,' a dark comedy exploring social themes.
Exiled from US
Denied re-entry to the US due to alleged communist sympathies, settled in Switzerland.
Released 'Limelight'
Released 'Limelight,' a semi-autobiographical film about an aging comedian.
Honorary Oscar
Received an Honorary Academy Award for his incalculable effect on filmmaking.
Death
Died in Vevey, Switzerland, at age 88.