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Charlie Chaplin was a globally renowned English comic actor, filmmaker, and composer, celebrated for his iconic 'Tramp' character in silent films. While primarily known for his acting and directing, he was also a prolific and influential composer, creating memorable scores for his own films.Born in London to music hall performers, Chaplin rose from poverty to become Hollywood's biggest star during the silent era. He co-founded United Artists, gaining complete creative control. Beyond acting and directing, he composed the scores for most of his major films from the 1930s onwards, including 'Modern Times' and 'The Great Dictator', often collaborating with arrangers. His song 'Smile' became a global standard.

• Chaplin faced significant scandal in the 1940s: a highly publicized paternity suit with actress Joan Barry, though blood tests (inadmissible then) proved he wasn't the father. This fueled public backlash.
• His political views (perceived as left-leaning) and satire of fascism in 'The Great Dictator' led to FBI surveillance. He was effectively exiled from the US in 1952 while traveling to promote 'Limelight'; his re-entry permit was revoked.
• He settled in Switzerland with his fourth wife, Oona O'Neill (daughter of playwright Eugene O'Neill), and had eight children with her. They remained married until his death.
• Chaplin died of natural causes (stroke) in his sleep on Christmas Day, 1977, at his home in Switzerland at age 88.
• In a bizarre postscript, his coffin was stolen from its grave in Corsier-sur-Vevey, Switzerland, in 1978. It was recovered 11 weeks later, and his remains were reinterred in a concrete vault.
• Despite never winning a competitive Oscar for acting or directing, he received two honorary Oscars (1929, 1972) and won his only competitive Oscar for Best Original Score for 'Limelight' in 1973 (the film's release was delayed, making it eligible decades later).