Word of the Day
Oona (OO-nuh)
Common clue: Wife of Charlie Chaplin
Oona O'Neil was born on May 13, 1926. Her father, the famous playwright, Eugene O’Neil abandoned the family when Oona was only 2 years old. Even so, she had a relatively happy childhood and planned to become an actress.
Meeting Chaplin Turning down an opportunity to attend Vassar she traveled to Hollywood in 1942 to pursue an acting career. Charlie Chaplin was looking for a leading lady for his latest film “Shadow and Substance”. Oona auditioned for the part, but Chaplin did not give it to her thinking she was too young for it. Oona actually ended up showing more interest in him than the part. The two were married in 1943. She was 18, Chaplin was 54.
This was Chaplin’s fourth marriage and, not surprisingly, Oona’s father did not approve. He disinherited her and cut off all communications.
Family Life Charlie and Oona had 8 children together. Finally, Oona made an appearance in one of his movies, “Limelight”. Several of their children and Charlie’s half-brother, Wheeler Dryden, also appeared in the film.
Eventually, because of Chaplin’s left-leaning politics, the family was forced to move to Switzerland. In 1967 Oona returned to America and closed up their Hollywood home and the Chaplin Studios. Later, Oona gave up her American citizenship.
Return to America They returned to America again in 1972 for Charlie to receive a special achievement Oscar. When he received the Oscar Oona was by his side. Oona was also there in London to see him received his English knighthood in 1975.
Charlie died on Christmas Day in 1977. This changed Oona’s life forever. Oona never really got over his death. After fighting an unsuccessful battle with alcohol, she died in 1991 of pancreatic cancer.
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