Charlie Chaplin

Charlie Chaplin (1889 - 1977) was the most famous actor in early Hollywood cinema. His principal character was "The Tramp"--a lower class character with a tight coat, oversized pants and shoes, a derby hat, a wooden cane, and his signature square mustache. He was the first actor who signed a one million dollar deal.

He is one of the most creative personalities in the silent film era. He directed, acted, wrote his stories, and was even known to write his movie scores.

1914: Keystone, worked for $150 a week

1914-15: Essanay, $1250 a week, plus $10,000 signing bonus

1916-17: Mutual, $10,000 a week, plus $150,000 signing bonus

1917: First National, million dollar deal

1919: Founded United Artists with Mary Pickford, [Douglas Fairbanks]? and David Griffith

Although Chaplin had his major successes in the United States Chaplin was born in Britain and retained his British nationality. During the ear of McCarthyism?, Chaplin was accused of "unamerican activities", and as a result had his residency rights removed. He left the United States in 1952 and remained a political exile until 1972, when he returned briefly for an award ceremony.

Chaplin died in 1977.