Charlie Chaplin, also known as Sir Charles Spencer Chaplin Jr., was a prominent figure in the entertainment industry during his time. He was an English comic actor, composer, and filmmaker who rose to fame in the silent film era. He is considered the industry’s most important figure, and his short stature, toothbrush mustache, and weird walking style made him an icon in the world of cinema.
Charlie Chaplin’s Career
Charlie Chaplin spent over 75 years of his career in the entertainment industry, starting from his childhood in the Victorian era. He was a true perfectionist who wrote, starred, edited, produced, and composed the music for most of his films. His time with production company Keystone earned him $175 per week, which was a respectable figure at the time. However, his pay only went uphill from that point.
Chaplin signed a new deal with Essanay Production Company in 1915, which raised his pay to $1,250 per week, and he earned $1.5 million per year after adjusting for inflation. After staying with the company for a year or so, Chaplin signed yet another deal with Mutual, a production company, which paid him a staggering $10,000 per week. With that, he was earning a whopping $13 million per year.
Charlie Chaplin’s Net Worth
At the time of his death, Charlie Chaplin had a net worth of $100 million, which is equivalent to $400 million in today’s dollars when adjusted for inflation. He made hundreds of millions of dollars from a variety of professions, including acting, writing, producing, directing, and composing.
Charlie Chaplin’s Houses and Cars
Charlie Chaplin owned a number of houses in different parts of the world. He lived in Beverly Hills for several decades before moving to Switzerland due to immigration issues. Chaplin and his fourth wife, Oona O’Neil, settled in Switzerland on a 37-acre estate called Champa de Ban Estate Manor, or The Manoir de Ban. He lived on the estate for 25 long years until his death in 1977.
Charlie Chaplin also owned a handful of luxury automobiles in his days, including a 1969 Bentley S3 that he had purchased for 65,000 francs.
Charlie Chaplin’s Death and Legacy
Charlie Chaplin’s health had declined by October 1977, and he suffered a stroke while in sleep on December 25, 1977, which ultimately led to his death. He was entombed in the Corsier-sur-Vevey cemetery, Corseaux, Switzerland, as per his wish, in a small and private Anglican ceremony that was held on 27th December. Chaplin left over $100 million to his widow Oona.
Charlie Chaplin is one of the most important personalities in the history of cinema. His persona as the Tramp has become a part of cultural history, and to this day, items connected to the character fetch tons of money. Part of Tramp’s costume, including a hat and a bamboo cane, was auctioned in LA in 2006, which generated $140,000. Times magazine has ranked him on its list of 100 Most Important People of the 20th Century, and his legacy lives on through his films and his impact on the entertainment industry.
