- In an interview on the David Letterman show, Hal Roach said that Chase auditioned for him by saying he could play ANY part. Chase then proceeded to do his impression of a lighthouse by turning his head, pausing with his eyes wide open when he was facing forward during each rotation.
- Entered films in 1912.
- He contributed to over 300 films as writer, director or actor (sometimes as all three) before his early death at age 46 and worked with almost every major name in early film comedy, including Roscoe 'Fatty' Arbuckle, Charles Chaplin, Laurel & Hardy, Harold Lloyd and The Three Stooges.
- At the Mack Sennett Studios he directed Billy West, a Charles Chaplin imitator, in a film that also starred a young Oliver Hardy.
- Brother of James Parrott.
- Directed short comedies under his birth name, Charles Parrott.
- He died in his home at 2157 N. Highland Ave. in Hollywood (Los Angeles, CA).
- He had two daughters with his wife, Bebe: Pauline (Polly) and June.
- Biography in: "Who's Who in Comedy" by Ronald L. Smith. Pg. 102-103. New York: Facts on File, 1992. ISBN 0816023387
- Initially when he signed up with Hal Roach in 1920, Chase was working as a director. Then he quickly became a performer, after Roach realized Chase's full potential.
- Despite sometimes being liked by the critics, Charley Chase's movies were never very successful at the box office.
- Like his close friends Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, Chase had a theme song for his films. Charlie's theme was "Smile When the Raindrops Fall".
- Considering that Charlie Chase's real name is Charles Joseph Parrott, and his oldest daughter was named Pauline but nicknamed "Polly", her name would be Polly Parrott.
- Before becoming successful as his trademark character, Charley Chase appeared in numerous short comedies as Jimmy Jump.
- According to those who knew him, in private Charley Chase was experiencing feelings of frustration at not being as successful as Chaplin, Keaton or Lloyd.
- Confined to obscurity for many years, Chase is now best known for supporting Laurel and Hardy in "Sons of the Desert.".
- After a career in burlesque theatre, Chase started working for producer Mack Sennett in 1914.
- His premature passing was most likely due to his alcoholism.
- He has appeared in three films that have been selected for the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically or aesthetically" significant: Mabel's Blunder (1914), Mighty Like a Moose (1926), & Sons of the Desert (1933).
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content