1889-1977. English film actor-director. He
made his reputation as a tramp with a smudge
moustache, bowler hat, and twirling cane in
silent comedies from the mid-1910s, including
The Rink 1916, The Kid 1921, and The Gold
Rush 1925. His work often contrasts
buffoonery with pathos, and his later films
combine dialogue with mime and music, as in
The Great Dictator 1940, and Limelight 1952.
He was one of cinema's most popular and
greatest stars. Born in south London, he
first appeared on the stage at the age of
five. His other films include City Lights
1931, Modern Times 1936, and Monsieur Verdoux
(in which he spoke for the first time) 1947.
Limelight 1952 was awarded an Oscar for
Chaplin's musical theme. When accused of
Communist sympathies during the McCarthy
witchhunt, he left the USA in 1952 and moved
to Switzerland. He was married four times,
his third wife being actress Paulette
Goddard, and his fourth, Oona, was the
daughter of the dramatist, Eugene O'Neill. He
received special Oscars 1928 and 1972. Until
sound films became common, he was the best
known and most popular film star of his day.