Lita Grey: The Teen Bride of Charlie Chaplin

Lita Grey, the captivating and enigmatic beauty who began her acting career alongside Charlie Chaplin at the tender age of 12, passed away on Friday at the age of 87.

She had been battling cancer and was being cared for at the Motion Picture Hospital in Woodland Hills.

Lita was the last surviving wife of the renowned filmmaker, who was hailed as the true genius of motion pictures by George Bernard Shaw.

Despite her youth, Lita's life was filled with extraordinary experiences and dramatic twists.

At just 15 years old, she found herself pregnant by Chaplin, with whom she would later tie the knot at the age of 16.

However, their marriage was short-lived, lasting only two years before they divorced.

Up until her recent illness, Lita resided in a modest apartment in West Hollywood, which was adorned with cherished mementos from her tumultuous relationship with Chaplin.

Financial support from the Motion Picture Fund allowed her to continue living independently.

She played an active role in planning the restoration of her former house, which is now home to the trendy Campanile restaurant.

Following her divorce, Lita's dreams of stardom dimmed, and she discovered that audiences were no longer captivated by her talent.

Later in life, she found herself working as a sales clerk at Robinson's department store in Beverly Hills, where she made ends meet for herself and her children.

Despite her circumstances, she maintained a positive outlook and even found fascination in interacting with the shopping public.

Born into California's esteemed Carrillo family, Lita's upbringing was sheltered and cloistered.

It was a casual visit to a local restaurant that changed the course of her life.

At the age of 6, she first encountered Chaplin, and six years later, they were reintroduced by a mutual friend.

It was during the casting of “The Kid” in 1921 that Chaplin, despite their significant age difference, openly courted Lita.

He assured his friends that if she became pregnant, he would marry her.

During the filming of “The Gold Rush” in 1925, Lita's pregnancy became evident, leading to her replacement in the film by Georgia Hale.

Contrary to his initial promises, Chaplin suggested an abortion or offered financial compensation instead of marriage.

However, when confronted by a family member brandishing a shotgun, Chaplin ultimately followed through with his word and married Lita shortly after.

Their union resulted in the birth of two sons, Charles Chaplin Jr. in 1925 and Sydney in 1926.

Lita detailed in her book, “My Life With Chaplin,” the challenging circumstances surrounding the births.

She gave birth to both boys at home on Summit Drive in Beverly Hills, without her husband's presence.

Their divorce proceedings, lasting nine months, were filled with scandalous tales of Chaplin's infidelity, neglect towards his children, and animosity towards Lita, whom he dismissed as “lowly born and greedy.”

Surprisingly, Lita was the only wife not mentioned in Chaplin's autobiography.

Lita received a settlement of $825,000, an unprecedented sum at the time, and embarked on a career in nightclubs and vaudeville, capitalizing on her newfound fame.

However, the extravagant costs associated with costumes, musicians, and sets, coupled with the ill-advised purchase of a lavish Beverly Hills residence, quickly depleted her finances.

Over the years, Lita married three more times.

As time passed, her perspective on Chaplin softened, recognizing his insecurities stemming from his impoverished upbringing.

At the time of her death, Lita was working on another memoir, rumored to portray her ex-husband in a more compassionate light.

Lita is survived by her son Sydney Chaplin, along with two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

In accordance with her wishes, there will be no formal services.

Those who wish to honor her memory may make contributions in her name to the Motion Picture and Television Fund.