Actor portraying Charlie Chaplin at Naper Settlement

Charlie Chaplin's Little Tramp character, with his too-tight bowler hat, cane, baggy pants, oversized shoes and toothbrush mustache, became one of the most recognizable and beloved characters of all time.

More than 100 years ago, Chaplin began making films in Chicago with Essanay Studios. His movie career propelled the former childhood music hall actor into unprecedented fame and fortune.

Visitors can learn about Chaplin's rags-to-riches story when Terry Lynch brings, "Forever the Tramp: A Chaplin Retrospective," to Naper Settlement's Century Memorial Chapel, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville.

Lynch's appearance is scheduled for 4 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 12, as part of the History Speaks Lecture Series.

"We always look for an anniversary or milestone event when we are scheduling the History Speaks Lecture Series," said Cindy Lackore, lead museum educator at Naper Settlement.

"We found out that it was the 100th anniversary of Charlie Chaplin's first appearance as 'The Little Tramp.' Chaplin is a universal icon and was one of the rare comedians who not only financed and produced all his films, but was also the author, actor, director and soundtrack composer of them as well."

Lynch, who has portrayed many historic characters through his companies, HFK Presents and Histories for Kids, welcomed the chance to portray one of his longtime cinematic idols and said this presentation will be original, just like Chaplin himself.

"Since I was young, I have enjoyed his comedies," Lynch said. "About the time I started getting into theater, I thought he was fascinating. I watched his techniques and how he would design his comedies. He made things look so simple, but it was intentionally choreographed."

As he has gotten older and has a few streaks of gray in his hair, Lynch said he thought it was appropriate to portray the older Chaplin when he received an honorary Oscar in 1972 for "the incalculable effect he (Chaplin) has had in making motion pictures the art form of this century."

Lynch, as the 82-year-old Chaplin, will be looking back on his life and incredible career that spanned more than seven decades and took him from an impoverished childhood to the glamour of Hollywood.

"The pathos and tragedy of his life could have taken him down a completely different path," Lynch said. "It's inspirational to see how someone took that adversity and turned it into a creative force. He always found ways to succeed."

Day-of tickets are $7 for adults and $6 for youngsters ages 4 to 12, students and Settlement members. Advance tickets are $1 less. For details, call (630) 420-6010.