Who Inherited Charlie Chaplin's Money? - Ned Hardy (2024)

Charlie Chaplin was an American film icon born in London, England, on April 16, 1889. Chaplin would have a long career that would span to the 1960s, and he would be at the forefront of revolutions in the film industry for most of his life, often being a leader.

He was also a challenging figure with an uncomfortable predilection for young women, which would result in a couple of marriages to avoid legal action. He is a complicated and controversial figure in Hollywood’s history but essential to the growth of Hollywood as an industry and art producer.

How many movies did he make?

From 1911 to 1967, Charlie Chaplin had over 90 credits to his name, with at least 70 films. He was one of the most prolific actors in early Hollywood and often one of the most innovative, being one of the first to realize the power of sound in film.

This does not even cover his other credits, such as producing, compositing, editing, directing, and writing. Chaplin was one of the most talented figures in Hollywood, with a body of work to match.

How much money did he make per movie? Per week? (Adjusted for inflation)

Chaplin was a very wealthy actor, given his role as one of the first A-listers in young Hollywood. The character Charlie the Tramp would make him incredibly rich.

When he signed with the Essanany company in 1915, he was paid $1,250 a week, plus a $10,000 bonus. Adjusted for today’s inflation, Chaplin would be making $35,000 weekly with a $280,000 signing bonus.

This was also just at the beginning of his career. In 1918 he signed a contract with First National for $1 million for eight films. He would later launch United Artists Corporation in 1919, which would continue to pull in large sums of money.

How much were other actors making at the time?

Earnings for actors varied wildly based on their star power. However, other actors had star power, equalling that of Charlie Chaplin. One actress who commanded a great deal of money was Mary Pickford. She would sign a contract in 1914 with famous players that would make her one of the most successful actresses of the silent film era. This contract included half the profit of her films, $10,000 a week, and a single payment bonus of $300,000. She also negotiated $150,000 a year for her mother and $40,000 to examine any deals before signing.

Keep in mind that this was when the average income in the United States was between $2,000 to $5,000. Another factor to consider was that many early stars were paid both a salary and a percentage of the profit of their films.

How much was he worth at the end of his career?

Charlie Chaplin was worth around $400 million at today’s exchange rate at his death. He would have been worth at least $100 million at the time.

Also, his corpse alone was supposedly worth $600,000. At least, that is what grave robbers ransomed his body.

Why did Charlie Chaplin bury one million dollars?

As a famous figure, Chaplin was sometimes controversial and was often a target of others due to his influence. Having grown up in poverty, he would also take steps to ensure there would always be money available should something happen. When Chaplin made his first million dollars, Chaplin buried it under a tree in his backyard. This would become important when he found himself accused of communist sympathies.

In 1948, Chaplin would be named for Joseph McCarthy’s House Un-American Activities Committee inquiry. Along with hundreds of other suspected communists, Chaplin was blacklisted in Hollywood.

On a trip back home to his native England, Chaplin was informed he would not be allowed back into the United States without testifying. So, Chaplin chose to stay in England for a time and never set foot in the United States again. Later, he would send his fourth wife, Oona, back to the states to collect the buried million and wrap up his American affairs.

Chaplin would eventually settle in Switzerland until he died in 1977.

Who were Charlie Chaplin’s spouse?

(Mildred Harris)

Charlie Chaplin was a noted philanderer, leading him to be married four times. He would marry Mildred Harris in 1918 but divorced in 1920.

His second wife would be Lila Grey, who he married in 1924, but divorced in 1927.

His third wife would be Paulette Goddard. He would marry her in 1936, and they were together until 1942.

His final wife was Oona O’Neill, who he had met when she was 17. They would be married in 1943. However, she was the one, as they remained married until he died in 1977.

How many children did he have?

Charlie Chaplin had 11 children across three marriages.

Who were his children?

His first marriage to Mildred Harris resulted in a son, Norman Spencer Chaplin, but the child died three days after birth in 1919.

His second marriage, to Lita Grey, would result in two sons. The first son was Charles Spencer Chaplin III, born in 1925. The second son would be Sydney Earl Chaplin, born in 1926.

Chaplin did not have any children with his third wife, Paulette Goddard.

Chaplin would have three sons and five daughters with his fourth wife, Oona O’Neill. His first daughter was Geraldine Chaplin, 1944. Michael would be followed by Chaplin’s second daughter Josephine Chaplin, born in 1949.

Victoria Chaplin would be born in 1951. In 1953 Eugene Anthony Chaplin would be born. Jane Cecil Chaplin was born in 1957.

Chaplin’s final two children would be Annette Emily Chaplin, born in 1959, and Christopher Chaplin, born in 1962.

Who inherited his fortune when he passed away?

Charlie Chaplin would leave his wife, Oona, with around $100 million upon his death. Chaplin would leave most of his children with a token amount except his son Michael who received a substantially more considerable amount.