The music publishers Francis, Day and Hunter published three of his songs in 1890: 'As the Church Bells Chime', 'Everyday Life', and 'Eh, Boys?'. By 1890, he was getting regular engagements. He sang songs about the troubles of everyday life, such as nagging wives, mothers-in-law, and crying babies, and these were popular with audiences. He first worked as a mimic, making his debut at the Poly Variety Theatre on 10 June 1887, but soon changed his act to that of a 'dramatic and descriptive singer'. Sheet music cover for one of Chaplin's popular songsĪlthough there was no history of performing in his family, Chaplin was drawn to the music hall industry, which was thriving in 1880s South London. Chaplin and Hannah separated by 1891, and remained legally married until his death. On 16 April 1889, Chaplin's biological son and namesake, Charles Spencer Jr. Hannah had a 3-month-old son, Sydney John, who was given Chaplin's surname. In June 1885, aged 22, he married 19-year-old Hannah Hill, who had been his 'sweetheart' three years earlier when they starred in the same play. Little is known about Chaplin's early life, although the 18 censuses show his parents and family were living in Rillington Place in Notting Hill, the street in which the murderer John Christie later lived.

Chaplin's father was a butcher, and he had a working-class upbringing.

He achieved considerable success in the 1890s, and was the father of the actor and filmmaker Sir Charlie Chaplin.Ĭhaplin was born on 18 March 1863 in Marylebone, London. (18 March 1863 – ) was an English music hall entertainer.

Charles chaplin my autobiography