Sir Charles Spencer Chaplin was born in London in 1889. He grew up in poverty and stopping atttending school at 13. He was on his own starting at age 14. His mother had mental health issues but recognized his talent at an early age. He was an actor, musician, comedian, composer and film maker.

He is often remembered for his work in silent pictures. Chaplin moved to America when he was 19. At the age of 26 he was the highly paid, over $670,000 a year! Translated into current prices that would be over $15 million dollars. His popularity made him a valuable commodity to the movie studios. Along with Douglas Fairbanks, Mary Pickford, and D. W. Griffith, he helped found United Artists. This new studio allowed him and the other artists to have control of their creative endeavors.