Success Story: Charlie Chaplin

Today, I share the success story of Charles Spencer Chaplin, an English comic actor, film maker and composer. Though he's late (1889 - 1977), many still get inspired through his story.

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

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Charlie Chaplin had a tough childhood. His Parents were music hall entertainers. His dad didn't support him financially; his mum did her best, but they couldn't get out of poverty and hardship. Mental illness made matters worse for the mum. The deteriorating financial condition forced Charlie to be sent to a workhouse (a charity institution that takes care of poor kids) at the age of seven. Later again, his mum had to readmit him at the workhouse.

At age 9, on one of the number of times the mum was committed to mental asylum, Charlie and his brother went to stay with the dad, whom they were less familiar with. By then, the dad had become an alcoholic, a chronic one. The dad died about two years after then. There was a time when Charlie had to live alone for several days, roaming the streets seeking food and shelter.

It was no easy childhood for Charlie, but he still pursued his dreams and even started at a very early age.

At age 5, he first performed on stage. It was one of mixed feelings. He had to sing on stage that day as a means to appease the crowd after he was forced to do so by the manager of a theatre because his mum had lost her voice while performing on stage.

Around age 9, he joined a dancing group: "The Eight Lancashire Lads”. He did great in dancing but his dream was comedy. He wanted to be an actor.

Around age 12, Charlie started acting. He joined a number of acting agencies and companies at different times. Some were successful, the others weren't. But in almost all, he was recognized to be outstanding and talented.

"I (was) newsvendor, printer, toymaker, doctor's boy, etc., but during these occupational digressions, I never lost sight of my ultimate aim to become an actor," Chaplin later recounted. "So, between jobs I would polish my shoes, brush my clothes, put on a clean collar and make periodic calls at a theatrical agency."

At a point, Charlie sought for his independence, he had his own studio and produced his own comedies.

"To truly laugh, you must be able to take your pain, and play with it!" - Charlie Chaplin

Charlie fought for what he loved. He never let the situation around him and his family stop him. He never lost sight of his true goals. He kept making little steps to achieve his goals and he did. His talent made agencies to sort after him, and at a point, he was one of the highest paid actor in the industry. So, don't loose focus, keep your dreams alive. No matter what, find a way to achieve what you want and love!

Photo Credit: changeminds.wordpress.com

Hope Chaplin's story inspired you?