America has had its share of child actors in both movies and television. When they grow up, there are dozens of new ones to take their places. But who was the very first child super star? It all began in 1919 when movies were called "silent pictures" because sound movies hadn't been invented yet. Famous movie comedian and director, Charlie Chaplin, discovered four-year-old Jackie Coogan performing on the vaudeville stage. The youngster was cast with Chaplin in The Kid. Once the movie premiered, Jackie became an instant celebrity. Previously, movie kids played supporting roles, but Jackie was the first child actor who was so famous that movies were built around him as the star. Like many modern child actors, he lived a life of fame, wealth, and misfortune. And like all kids, he grew up.
Read all about Jackie in my new children’s biography, now available online.
Read all about Jackie in my new children’s biography, now available online.