Charles Spencer Chaplin, known as Charlie Chaplin, was born on April 16, 1889, in London, England, and passed away on December 25, 1977, in Corsier-sur-Vevey, Switzerland. He was a British comedian, producer, writer, director, and composer, widely regarded as one of the greatest comic artists in the history of cinema. Chaplin's early exposure to the music hall came from his parents, both of whom were entertainers. His mother, Hannah Hall, was a singer, and his father, Charles Chaplin Sr., was a well-known vocalist.

Chaplin's stage debut occurred at the age of five when he filled in for his mother during a performance. By age nine, he began his own career with the Eight Lancashire Lads, a troupe of juvenile clog dancers. He later joined Fred Karno's pantomime troupe, which led to his first tour in America in 1910. During this time, Chaplin developed a strong affinity for music, often carrying his violin and practicing for hours.

In 1913, Chaplin was signed by Mack Sennett to appear in Keystone comedy films, where he created his iconic character, "the Little Tramp." His film music career began with "City Lights" (1931), for which he composed the score. Chaplin continued to compose music for his films, including "Limelight" (1952) and the re-release of "A Woman of Paris" (1976).

Chaplin's contributions to cinema were recognized with multiple Academy Awards, including an honorary award in 1972 and an award for Best Original Dramatic Score in 1973. He was also a founder of the United Artists Corporation. Chaplin's legacy endures as a pivotal figure in the development of film and film music.