John Leslie “Jackie” Coogan (October 26, 1914 – March 1, 1984) was an American actor who began his movie career as a child actor in silent films.[ Charlie Chaplin’s film classic The Kid (1921) made him one of the first child stars in film history. Many years later, he became known as Uncle Fester on the 1960s sitcom The Addams Family. In the interim, he sued his mother and stepfather over his squandered film earnings and provoked California to enact the first known legal protection for the earnings of child performers, widely known as the Coogan Act.
Charlie Chaplin discovered him in the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles—a vaudeville house—doing the shimmy, a popular dance at the time, on the stage. Coogan’s father was also an actor. Jackie Coogan was a natural mimic and delighted Chaplin with his abilities. Chaplin subsequently cast him in a small role in A Day’s Pleasure (1919). He was Chaplin’s irascible sidekick in The Kid (1921) and played the title role in Oliver Twist, directed by Frank Lloyd, the following year. Coogan was one of the first stars to be heavily merchandised; peanut butter, stationery, whistles, dolls, records, and figurines were among the Coogan-themed merchandise offered. SOURCE
As a side note, I have seen in a couple of places that Charlie Chaplin owned chows but have yet to see him pictured with one. This photo above of Jackie Coogan with “Sing Song” is as close as I have gotten. I wonder if this was one of Chaplin’s dogs
And below is the movie trailer for “THE KID” a wonderful classic that everyone should see at least once!!! That Jackie Coogan was sure adorable!
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