From Child Star to Millionaire: The Rise of Jackie Coogan

In 1919, Charles Chaplin, already a celebrity for his comedy shorts, made a fateful decision to attend a variety show where he discovered a talented four-year-old boy dancing on stage. Impressed by the child’s performance, Chaplin offered the boy’s parents a film contract, predicting that their son would become a star. The child, Jackie Coogan, went on to star in Chaplin’s first feature film, “The Kid,” which was a massive success and launched Coogan’s career as Hollywood’s first big child star. Coogan’s fame and success in the film industry made him one of the highest-paid actors at the time, signing a million-dollar contract and earning a significant share of the profits from his films. His popularity was unprecedented, with crowds flocking to see his films and imitate his iconic hairstyle. Coogan’s rise to stardom marked a significant milestone in Hollywood history, showcasing the power and influence of child actors in the entertainment industry.