Charlie Chaplin Timeline

  • Charles Spencer Chaplin was born

    Charles Spencer Chaplin was born
    It is said that Chaplin was born in London, although there is no officially recorded adress.
  • George Wheeler Dryden was born

    George Wheeler Dryden was born
    Charlie's second brother, George, was raised by Leo Dryden, a famous musician. Dryden took George as a baby, and he wasn't in Charlie's life for 30 years.
  • Charlie's career starts

    Charlie's career starts
    Charlie was on the side of one of his mother's production when she lost her voice. One of the stage managers pushed the five year-old onto the stage. Chaplin then wowed the audience with his performance. That was the end of her mother's career, sadly, because her voice never returned, but the beginning of Charlie's love of theater.
  • Charlie and his brother were thrown out of the house to live on their own

    Charlie and his brother were thrown out of the house to live on their own
    Charlie and his brother Sydney were thrown out to the streets for two reasons. One, his father was an alcoholic who had left the family, and two, their mother had mental health issues, and she was unable support and care for them both. Chaplin joined a clog-dancing group, and he did whatever he could to support himself, while making calls to try and find theatrical work.
  • Charlie joined Casey's Court Circus and the Fred Karno troupe

    Charlie joined Casey's Court Circus and the Fred Karno troupe
    Prior to coming to the United States, Chaplin did stage work in London, including joining Casey's Court Circus and the Fred Karno pantomime troupe.
  • "The Tramp" was released

    "The Tramp" was released
    In 1914, Chaplin made his film debut in "Make a Living". He appeared in 35 movies in that year, and in that year was hired by the Essanay Company. During his first year with Essanay, Chaplin made 14 movies including "The Tramp". "The Tramp" was the short film that made him famous.
  • Felix the Cat first was introduced

    Felix the Cat first was introduced
    It is believed that Chaplin helped inspire Felix the Cat and Mickey Mouse. He also helped inspire the Dada art movement.
  • "The Kid" is released

    "The Kid" is released
    "The Kid" was the first full-length movie that Chaplin directed. It was also the second most grossing movie in 1921. It is considered one of the greatest silent films ever.
  • "A Countess from Hong Kong" was released

    "A Countess from Hong Kong" was released
    This was be Chaplin's last movie that he directed, produced, wrote and scored. It was also the second movie that he was in that he wasn't a main role.
  • Charlie Chaplin Dies

    Charlie Chaplin Dies
    He recievd an Academy award 5 years before he died, and 5 years after his newest movie. He died at his home in Switzerland. After he was buried, Chaplin's body was stolen. Two men were later arrested and Chaplin's body was recovered.
  • Wall-e was released

    Wall-e was released
    Chaplin has made an impact on today's world by inspiring the filmmakers of today. For instance, he partly inspired Wall-e, a movie by Pixar. In the audio commentary, the creators of the movie state that they made the silent parts of the movie by looking to famous silent actors, one being Chaplin.