April 16, 1889 – December 25, 1977
It has been 35 years since the comedic actor, Sir Charles Spencer Chaplin, died at the age of 88. Chaplin started performing at the of age 5 years old, the child of two entertainers. Chaplin performed on stage and in the movies for most of his life. He became one of the highest paid individuals in the film industry during his time. In 1916 he was paid a salary of $670,000 for the year, which included “…twelve two-reel comedies for Mutual Film Corporation.”1 Chaplin not only starred in many films but also worked in many other roles in the film industry as a writer, director, producer and more.
Chaplin died on Christmas day in 1977. A small funeral was held and he was buried in Vevey, Switzerland, near where he had been living for many years. In 1978, two men dug up Chaplin’s coffin and stole it from the grave. They sought a ransom from Chaplin’s widow, Lady Oona Chaplin, but she refused to pay it. The coffin was ultimately found and two men were arrested for the crime.2
Chaplin’s widow, Oona, inherited his estate. He was also survived by nine children – eight from Oona and one from an earlier marriage.3 Click here for his obituary. Chaplin’s legacy lives as on as a true comedic artist.
21978: Charlie Chaplin’s stolen body found
