Still of Chaplin in his film, "The Circus," 1928. Sir Charles Spencer "Charlie" Chaplin (April 16, 1889 - December 25, 1977) was an English comic actor and filmmaker who rose to fame in the silent era. Chaplin became a worldwide icon through his screen persona "the Tramp" and is considered one of the most important figures of the film industry. His career spanned more than 75 years, from a child in the Victorian era to close to his death at the age of 88, and encompassed both adulation and controversy.