Charlie Chaplin was born Charles Spencer Chaplin on April 16, 1889 to Music Hall Performers, Hannah and Charles, Sr. He Was Their Second Son, Sydney being their first born.
Charles, Sr. drifted into alcoholism when Charlie was very young, due to encouragement from the bar’s where He preformed. The Alcohol took him over, and destroyed his marriage. When Charles, Sr. went on tour to America, Hannah found a singer named Leo Dryden. She had an affair with him, and Ended up carrying his son, George Wheeler Dryden. When She gave birth to him, Leo disappeared without leaving any financial support for her. Her Marriage with Charles, sr., was Over and she was left to care for three children without any money. But, Dryden came and stole Her now 6-month old son and left her. She was depressed and turned to religion for comfort.
The music hall was a big part of Charlie’s upbringing. It was there where he got his start in performing. His mother had returned to the stage, and was drowned out by boos. So, Charlie went out and sang and danced. He was Five. The entire audience was pleased, and He was asked for an encore.
When the Chaplin’s faced great poverty, Hannah brought smiles to the boys’ faces with her performances in their shabby, small room. She managed to keep them clothed and Fed, and even had small surprises for them every few weeks. Charlie took in hannah’s great skills. He was recruited to be a bellboy in Sherlock Holmes, and The lead in the production was a very successful actor, Who took Charlie to be the lead in one of his own productions. His Brother also recruited him for a troup called Silent Comedians.
The cinema company Keystone Offered the now 24 year old stage actor Charlie work in film. Charlie was to act without rehersal. He was very nervous, but he would need to adapt to their speedy methods or give up his chance in the industry.
Charlie was determined to master this new medium. So, his first fim was born. It was called Making A Living and it was released I February 1914. It was so short that it was contained in only one reel of film, and it was 15 minute. The public liked seeing A great comedian, Charlie, costumed in a top hat and a long formal dressed coat. But charlie didn’t. He realized his director was completely incompetent. Everything he had suggested had been cut from the film! Dissatisfaction made him Determined to do better in the future.
Charlie’s second film was at a children’s car race, he was told to find a Costume and Make a nuiscence of himself.