In 1942, Oona O’Neill received a large amount of media attention after she was chosen as “The Number One Debutante” of the 1942–1943 season at the Stork Club. Soon after, she decided to pursue a career in acting and, after small roles in two stage productions, headed for Hollywood.
In Hollywood, O’Neill was introduced to Charlie Chaplin, who considered her for a film role. The film was never made, but O'Neill and Chaplin began a romantic relationship and married in June 1943, a month after she had turned 18.
The 36-year age gap between them caused a scandal, and severed O’Neill’s relationship with her father, who was only six months older than Chaplin and who had already strongly disapproved of her wish to become an actress.
Following the marriage, O’Neill gave up her career plans. She and Chaplin had eight children together and remained married until his death in 1977.
Following Chaplin’s death, she split her time between Switzerland and New York. She died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 66 in Corsier-sur-Vevey in 1991. Her daughter Geraldine Chaplin named her own daughter after Oona in 1986.
Take a look at these vintage photos to see beautiful moments of Charlie Chaplin and his last wife Oona O’Neill during their marriage.
They really loved each other.
ReplyDeleteThat's Paulette Goddard in the 12th from the bottom photo.
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