Born Charles Spencer Chaplin in South London, on April 16, 1889, to parents who were stage performers. Chaplin’s early life was full of ups and downs. His father was an alcoholic and abandoned the family when Charlie was a baby. Chaplin’s mother, Hannah, struggled with mental health problems and spent time in an asylum. Her illness led to Charlie, and his half-brother Sydney, being sent to the Lambeth Workhouse.

 

Young Charlie first appeared on the stage when he was five years old. His mother lost her voice while performing and Charlie stepped in as her replacement. He was a sensation! The rest is history.