Charlie Chaplin was one of the most important stars in the early days of Hollywood. He had a lot of interesting things happen to him both in front of the camera and in his movies. He is best known as a movie star from the silent era. People often think of him as the Little Tramp, the man with the toothbrush mustache, bowler hat, bamboo cane, and a funny walk.
A poor area of London named Chaplin was named after him. He was born there on April 16, 1889. When his mother, Hannah Hill Chaplin, was a talented singer and actress, she spent most of her life in and out of mental hospitals. His father, Charles Spencer Chaplin Sr., was a good singer until he started drinking.
As soon as Charlie’s parents split up, he and his half-brother, Sidney, spent most of their childhood in orphanages, where they often went hungry. They were also punished if they did not behave. As a child, Chaplin couldn’t read or write.
He left school to go on tour with a group of comic entertainers. It was later that they put him on the stage for a comedy show. Nineteen was when he became one of the most popular music-hall singers in Britain.
Charles Chaplin as a baby| Charles Chaplin’s Childhood Portraits
Charlie Chaplin at the Central London District School in Hanwell, 1897. Chaplin is in the centre of the third row.
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Charlie Chaplin aged 9, ca. 1898.
Charles Chaplin joins a tap-dancing group known as the Eight Lancashire Lads in 1899.
Charlie Chaplin performed with The Eight Yorkshire Lads at the Royal Cambridge Theatre of Varieties in Commercial St on Tuesday 24th October 1899.
Charlie Chaplin performed with The Eight Yorkshire Lads at the Royal Cambridge Theatre of Varieties in Commercial St on Tuesday 24th October 1899.
Charlie Chaplin, between age 14-16, appearing as Billy the Pageboy in the play Sherlock Holmes. Exact date unknown, but Chaplin appeared in the play between 1903 and 1906. Marriot suggests it was towards the end of his time in the play.
The Casey’s Circus company, 1906. Chaplin (in bowler hat) at Will Murray’s left and Herbert Kirk’s right.
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