Jackie Coogan

John Leslie Jackie Coogan was an American actor who began his movie career as a child actor in silent films.

He was born as John Leslie Coogan in 1914 in Los Angeles, California, to John Henry Coogan, Jr. and Lillian Rita Coogan. He began performing as an infant in both vaudeville and film, with an uncredited role in the 1917 film Skinners Baby. Charlie Chaplin discovered him in the Orpheum Theatre, a vaudeville house in Los Angeles, on the stage doing the shimmy, a popular dance at the time. Coogans father was also an actor. Jackie Coogan was a natural mimic and delighted Chaplin with his abilities. Chaplin cast him in a small role in A Days Pleasure . He was Chaplins irascible companion in The Kid and the following year played the title role in Oliver Twist, directed by Frank Lloyd. Coogan was one of the first stars to be heavily merchandised. Peanut butter, stationery, whistles, dolls, records, and figurines were among the Cooganthemed merchandise on sale.

Source: Wikipedia