Laura Chaplin
Laura Chaplin was born in 1987 to Eugene Chaplin, Charlie and Oonas Chaplin’s fifth son.
She grew up in the same house, that Charlie Chaplin bought in 1952 : “Le Manoir de Ban” in Corsier-sur-Vevey at Lake Geneva. His humanism, his creativity, his love for people and devotion to circus and clowns was ever- present since his death and left an impression on Laura since her early childhood.
At an early age Laura knew that she wanted to be an artist. She painted pictures every day and sold them to many of the famous guests at the Manoir.
A highlight in her childhood was a visit from Michael Jackson, who arrived by helicopter in her backyard. Laura and Michael had a favourite song in common- “Smile” composed by Charlie Chaplin-they’ve been friends ever since.
From the age of eleven, Laura went to boarding school in London. At thirteen she already earned her own money as a model for Tommy Hilfiger, Seven Jeans and for numerous other magazines. At the age of 19 she worked as a TV presenter, before finally going back to Switzerland to study Fashion and Design in Lausanne.
She still has a passion for painting. Her art is shown in Hong Kong, Brazil and the USA.
In her role as an ambassador for “Moi pour toit”, an organization which supports street children in Bogota, she has repeatedly visited Bogota and organized painting classes for children and disguised as a tramp, the role that made her grandfather famous.
Since her childhood Laura is aware of the fact that making other people and laugh yourself brings joy to everyone. Laura is concerned about the serious faces in London’s subway and Paris metro and notices the lack of laughter in our world.
Laughter and humour does not only improve our life together but also helps each individual to stay healthy and to overcome diseases. There are numerous examples which prove that laughter is the greatest medicine.
At the same time laughter is also a powerful weapon against dictators and religious fanatics. Therefore there are many examples from the past and the present where laughing was prohibited by authorities.
Laughter is a human right, which still isn’t enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Therefore Laura Chaplin has prepared a petition for the UN.
Laura Chaplin has dealt with the life and work of her grandfather and the phenomena of laughter.
The bizarre details, interesting expert opinions and funny anecdotes of members of the Chaplin family, Hollywood stars, Humour scientists and clowns were put together by Laura and her team in her book:
"Lachen ist der erste Schritt zum Glück"