Henry Bergman

Biography

Henry Bergman (February 23, 1868 – October 22, 1946) was a distinguished American actor celebrated for his enduring partnership with the legendary Charlie Chaplin. Born in San Francisco, California, Bergman's theatrical journey began in live performance, making his mark in the play Henrietta at the Hollis Street Theater in Boston in 1888 and touring with The Senator in 1892 and 1893. He made his Broadway debut in 1899, showcasing his talents on a larger stage.

Bergman transitioned to film later in life, with his first appearance occurring in 1914 at the age of 46 with The L-KO Kompany. His collaboration with Chaplin commenced in 1916 with the film The Pawnshop, which marked the beginning of a prolific relationship. Throughout his career, Bergman became a familiar face in Chaplin's films, appearing in notable works such as The Immigrant, The Gold Rush, and The Circus. His final on-screen role was as a restaurant manager in Modern Times, while he contributed behind the scenes to The Great Dictator in 1940.

In addition to his acting, Chaplin assisted Bergman in establishing a Hollywood restaurant named Henry's, which gained popularity among celebrities and foreshadowed the famous Brown Derby. Bergman maintained close ties with Chaplin Studios until his passing from a heart attack in 1946. He rests at Hillside Memorial Park Cemetery in Culver City, California.