Charlie_Chaplin

The most famous actor in early Hollywood cinema. His principle character was "The Tramp"-a lower class charcater with a tight coat, oversized pants and shoes, a derby hat, a wooden cane, and his signature square mustache. He was the first actor who signed a one million dollar deal.

He is one of the most creative personalities in the silent film era. He directed, acted, wrote his stories, and was even known to write his movie scores.

1914: Keystone, worked for $150 a week

1914-15: Essanay, $1250 a week, plus $10,000 signing bonus

1916-17: Mutual, $10,000 a week, plus $150,000 signing bonus

1917: First National, million dollar deal

1919: Founded United Artists with Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks and David Griffith