Charlie Chaplin

Born in London on April 16, 1889, Charlie Chaplin grew up in poverty and began performing as a child before joining the Fred Karno comedy troupe. After moving into films in the 1910s, he became an international star through his screen persona, the Little Tramp.

Chaplin was far more than a performer: he wrote, directed, produced, edited, and composed for his films. Classics such as The Kid, The Gold Rush, City Lights, Modern Times, and The Great Dictator helped make him one of the most influential figures in film history.

Later in life he published My Autobiography and remained a towering cultural figure until his death in Switzerland on December 25, 1977. His work is still admired for pairing visual comedy with real feeling, sympathy for outsiders, and sharp observations about modern life.