Charlie Chaplin Passes Away

As the year draws to a close, it can’t be denied that it has been a bit of a stinker when it comes to losing legends. Many beloved figures have passed away in the past 12 months. But it was on this day in 1977 that we lost perhaps the most influential and recognised giants of comedy: Charlie Chaplin. Born into poverty in London, he started out in Music Hall before making his film debut in 1914 and then writing, producing, filming, editing and starring in over 80 movies including classics such as The Gold Rush, The Kid, City Lights, The Great Dictator and Limelight.

His character ‘The Little Tramp’ became one of the most globally identifiable figures in cinema history and massively popular worldwide. His political leanings during the McCarthy era saw his popularity wane and led to him leaving America in 1952. Eventually he received an honorary Oscar for his contribution to film and was knighted in 1975.