Charlie Chaplin

Charles “Charlie” Chaplin (April 16, 1889 – December 25, 1977) was an English comic actor, film director and composer best-known for his work during the silent film era. He used mime, slapstick and other visual comedy routines, and continued well into the era of the talkies, though his films decreased in frequency by the end of the 1920s. His most famous role was that of The Tramp, which he first played in Kid Auto Races (1914). From 1914 onwards he was writing and directing most of his films, by 1916 he was producing them, and by 1918 he was also composing the music for them. In 1919 he co-founded United Artists. In 1999, the American Film Institute ranked Chaplin the 10th greatest male screen legend of all time.... more

First Magazine Covers

1915

1916

Breakthrough Years

1914

Breakthrough creating "The Tramp" and directing popular Keystone shorts, becoming a worldwide sensation.

1915

His Essanay films, particularly *The Tramp*, solidified his global stardom and refined his iconic screen persona.

1918

His WWI comedy "Shoulder Arms" was a massive success, proving his feature film prowess and independence.

1940

The Great Dictator marked his groundbreaking first sound film and powerful artistic statement.