Charlie Chaplin 1889–1977

Abstract

Sir Charles (Charlie) Spencer Chaplin was a comedic actor, film director, composer, and musician. He was born in the United Kingdom and moved to the United States in 1913 and eventually became one of the most creative and influential personalities of the silent-film era. His working life in entertainment spanned over 75 years, from the Victorian stage and the music-hall in the United Kingdom as a child performer until his death at the age of 88. Chaplin's most prolific creative activity occurred in the United States from 1914 to the mid 1940s. His most well-regarded movies were made with United Artists and include City Lights (1931), Modern Times (1936), The Great Dictator (1940), and Monsieur Verdoux (1947), although he made many other classic movies. Chaplin was critical to the development of film as an art form and he showed the potential of the medium to communicate complex themes. Chaplin, in his mature period, made intricate films, and provided an abrasive exploitation of paradox and ambiguity. He was the premier comedian and film maker of his time, and remains influential in the present day. His contribution as a creative person himself and as an inspiration to countless other people has been unique, widespread, and timeless.