He was Hollywood's first million-dollar superstar. He signed a contract in 1917 to direct and star in eight films. Who was he?

By 1917, the world was captivated by the comedic genius of "The Little Tramp," giving the actor behind the mustache incredible leverage. He signed a landmark contract with First National Exhibitors' Circuit to produce eight films for the unprecedented sum of over one million dollars. This deal, worth over $20 million in today's money, officially cemented his status as Hollywood's highest-paid entertainer and its first million-dollar superstar.

This historic agreement was the culmination of a meteoric rise. Just four years prior, he was a relative unknown in motion pictures. His subsequent moves to studios like Essanay and Mutual saw his salary and popularity skyrocket with each contract, but the First National deal was a different league entirely. It granted him immense creative control and the financial independence to pursue his artistic vision without significant studio interference.

Shortly after signing, he used his newfound capital to begin construction on his own independent motion picture studio on La Brea Avenue in Hollywood. This facility, which he used for the rest of his American career, became a legendary creative hub and a symbol of the power he wielded as the industry's most successful and influential filmmaker.