The oldest surviving child of Hollywood movie legend Charlie Chaplin has died in California aged 82, the Los Angeles Times reported Friday.
Sydney Chaplin, who followed in his father's footsteps by forging his own career as an actor, died Tuesday at his home in Rancho Mirage, near Palm Springs, from complications following a stroke, the Times reported.
One of 11 children fathered by Charlie Chaplin during his four marriages, Sydney Chaplin enjoyed his greatest success on stage which included a Tony Award for his performance in the 1950s musical "Bells Are Ringing."
Chaplin said he only got to know his legendary workaholic father after being discharged from the army after World War II.
After leaving the military, Chaplin was persuaded by a friend to try acting, The Times reported, and he later co-founded the Circle Theater in Los Angeles.
He also went on to star in films directed by his more famous father, including the 1952 movie "Limelight" and "A Countess From Hong Kong" in 1967.
Eight of Charlie Chaplin's children are still alive, the oldest of whom is actress Geraldine Chaplin, 64, who starred in the 1965 film "Doctor Zhivago."
Copyright 2009 AFP Global Edition
