1) Charlie Chaplin was born in 1889 in London to actor parents Lily and Charles Chaplin. 2) As a child, Chaplin lived in poverty and hardship after his mother lost her voice and ability to perform. He and his brother spent time in orphanages. 3) Chaplin began performing as a child, finding success making audiences laugh by imitating his mother's singing. This sparked his interest in becoming an actor.