Michael Chaplin

Michael John Chaplin (born March 7, 1946) is an American actor and author born in Santa Monica, California. He is the son of Charlie Chaplin and appeared in two films with him.

Career Chaplin's started acting at age six, appearing (uncredited) in his father's 1952 film Limelight, and then co-starring alongside him in 1957's A King in New York.

In the mid-1960s Chaplin signed a book contract with British publisher Leslie Frewin to publish his autobiography I Couldn't Smoke The Grass On My Father's Lawn, which was ghostwritten with Tom Merrin and Charles Hamblett. This was a teenage hippie-memoir of drugs and rebellion against a world-famous father. Before its release his father filed an injunction to prevent publication, arguing that it would have a detrimental effect on himself and his family. The injunction was set aside by judges for the Court of Appeal, who held that Chaplin's contract was binding because he stood to gain from the work's publication, as it launched his writing career.

In addition, Chaplin is the author of a novel, A Fallen God, a modern version of the story of Tristan and Iseult. His last part in a film, which was also his first in 48 years, was in the 2014 short film, The Innovators, where he was the voice of the minister.

Personal life He is the second child and eldest son from Charlie Chaplin's fourth and final marriage, to Oona O'Neill.

Filmography

Feature films Year Title Role Notes 1952 Limelight Child in opening scene Uncredited; appearance with sisters Geraldine Chaplin and Josephine Chaplin 1957 A King in New York Rupert Macabee Co-starred with his father Charlie Chaplin 1966 Promise Her Anything Heathcliff Starring Warren Beatty and Leslie Caron 1966 The Sandwich Man Pavement Artist Directed by Robert Hartford-Davis 1971 The Legend of Frenchie King Uncredited French title: Les Pétroleuses; starring Brigitte Bardot 1989 The Rainbow Ivan Brangwen Directed by Ken Russell

Short films 1966: The Same Sky – Narrator / Lead role; Produced during the "Swinging London" period. 2014: The Innovators – Voice of the Minister (Short film); Directed by Carmen Zografos.

Commercials 1966: Pepsi-Cola – UK television campaign during the "Pepsi Generation" era. 1967: Milk Marketing Board – British television campaign.

Documentaries and Home Media Year Title Role Notes 1960 The Ed Sullivan Show Himself Guest (Season 13, Episode 28) 2003 Charlie: The Life and Art of Charles Chaplin Himself Interviewee regarding the Chaplin family 2004 The Chaplin Collection Consultant / Himself Introductions for the Criterion Collection and Warner Home Video DVD releases. 2014 Chaplin, la légende du siècle Himself French television documentary 2021 The Real Charlie Chaplin Himself Featuring interviews and archive footage

Music In the mid-1960s, Chaplin pursued a brief career as a pop singer in London and the United States, released under the London Records and Columbia Records labels. His most notable release was the single "I Am What I Am".

"I Am What I Am" / "Restless" (1965) – Single released on London Records (US, Catalog No. #9757). "I Am What I Am" / "Goodbye Stranger" (1966) – Single released on Columbia Records (UK, Catalog No. DB 7935). "I Am What I Am" / "Restless" (1966) – Single released on London Records (Brazil, Catalog No. 45-9757).

Books I Couldn't Smoke the Grass on My Father's Lawn (1966), co-written with Tom Merrin and Charles Hamblett. London: Frewin. . A Fallen God. Publisher: The Book Guild Ltd, 2024,