Charlie Chaplin found Jackie Coogan at the Orpheum Theatre, a vaudeville venue in Los Angeles, where Coogan was performing the shimmy, a popular dance of that time. Coogan’s father was also an actor, as was his younger brother, Robert. Coogan had a natural talent for imitation, which impressed Chaplin. Chaplin gave him a small role in “A Day’s Pleasure” (1919). The next year, Chaplin cast Coogan as the abandoned child raised by his Tramp character in the silent comedy-drama “The Kid” (1921). In 1922, Coogan played the title role in “Oliver Twist,” directed by Frank Lloyd. Coogan became one of the first heavily merchandised stars, with products like peanut butter, stationery, whistles, dolls, records, and figurines featuring his image. He was homeschooled until age 10, after which he attended Urban Military Academy and other prep schools.

As a child star, Coogan earned an estimated $3 to $4 million. When he turned 21 in October 1935, he believed his fortune was secure, having been conservatively managed by his father, who had died in a car accident five months earlier. However, Coogan discovered that his mother and stepfather, Arthur Bernstein, had spent all the money on fur coats, diamonds, other jewelry, and expensive cars. Bernstein, who was the family’s financial advisor, married Coogan’s mother in late 1936. Coogan’s mother and stepfather claimed that Jackie had simply enjoyed playing before the camera and that no promises were made to give him anything. They also said he “was a bad boy.” In 1938, Coogan sued them, but after legal expenses, he received only $126,000 of the $250,000 remaining of his earnings. When he faced financial difficulties and asked Charlie Chaplin for help, Chaplin immediately gave him $1,000.

This legal battle drew attention to the treatment of child actors and led to the 1939 enactment of the California Child Actor’s Bill, known as the “Coogan Law” or the “Coogan Act.” This law required that 15% of a child actor’s earnings be set aside in a trust (called a Coogan account) and specified guidelines for schooling, work hours, and time off.
Coogan continued acting throughout his life, gaining renewed fame in middle age as Uncle Fester in the 1960s TV series “The Addams Family”.