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Sir Charles Spencer Chaplin (April 16th 1889-Dec. 25th 1977) was a beloved entertainer of many talents. Born to Charles Chaplin, Sr and Hannah Hill, with very little money, in Walworth, England. Charlie was an actor, as well as a director, screenwriter, editor, producer, and composer. He had two half-brothers, Sydney Chaplin (March 16th 1885-April 16th 1965) and Wheeler Dryden (1892-1957). Sydney was Hannah's child from her first relationship. Wheeler was the son of Leo Dryden, who Hannah had a relationship with during her marriage to Charles Sr. Wheeler was taken from Hannah several months after birth. He did not meet Charlie until years later. Charlie spent much of his childhood on stage. His stage debut was at five, singing in place of his mother who fell ill and had slowly succumbed to mental illness. She apparently suffered from visual and auditory hallucinations. In 1896, she was admitted to asylum for two months. Several years later she was re-admitted while Charlie lived with his father and step-mother. Charlie's father died of alcoholism in 1901, when Charlie was only twelve. In his book, "My Autobiography", Charlie mentions that he never really knew his father. Sydney and Charlie did truly love their mother. They remembered how she entertained and inspired them throughout their difficult childhood. When Hannah was no longer able to care for her sons, they were sent to Lambeth Workhouse, then moved to the Hanwell School for Orphans and Destitute Children. Charlie attempted to provide for himself to avoid being sent back to the workhouse while Sydney was away on an extended trip. In his teen years, Charlie earned a role in the stage play, "Jim, A Romance of Cockney". It received rave revues. During the same year, he played the role of Billy in the stage adaptation of "Sherlock Holmes". Unfortunately, Hannah suffered from a relapse and stayed at an institution for the following seven years.Dec 29th 1913, he signed a contract with Keystone. Starring in 35 short films the following year. His film debut, "Making a Living".His first full-length film was The Kid (1921). That same year, Charlie purchased a home in California for his mother and had people care for her. She passed away on August 28th 1928. She was greatly credited by Chaplin for much of his success.The 1st Annual Oscars took place in 1929. Where Chaplin won a special award "for versatility and genius in writing, acting, directing and producing" The Circus(1928).1943,Chaplin was married for the fourth time to Oona O'Neill. Together they had eight children. They moved from the U.S. to Switzerland in 1952.On April 10th 1972, Chaplin returned to Tinseltown to claim his well-deserved Lifetime Achievement Award at the 43rd Annual Oscars. The video of his acceptance speech can be seen on " youtube.com ".March 4th 1975 Chaplin is knighted by the Queen.On Christmas Day 1977 the One and Only passes away in his sleep due to natural causes. He was eighty-eight.However, March 2nd 1978, grave robbers had apparently stolen his body. Two months later, his body is found.He has inspired many.
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