Wheeler Dryden was an American actor known for his roles in “Limelight,” “The Great Dictator,” and “Mud and Sand.” He had a significant career in acting and direction, often linked to his famous half-brother, Charlie Chaplin.
Personal and Family Life
Wheeler Dryden was born George Wheeler Dryden on August 31, 1892, in Brixton, London. He grew up under the care of his father, George Dryden Wheeler, Sr., after his mother, Hannah Chaplin, lost custody due to her struggles with mental illness and alcoholism. At 23, he learned about his family, including his half-brothers who were already famous in the entertainment industry.
In 1938, Wheeler married Alice Chapple, a ballerina, and they had a son named Spencer Dryden. Wheeler encouraged Spencer’s music career, helping him to become a drummer for the band Jefferson Airplane. Sadly, Wheeler’s family life was affected by the pressures of his connection to Chaplin.
Death and Legacy
Wheeler Dryden passed away on September 30, 1957, in Los Angeles, California. His professional life was heavily impacted by the controversies surrounding his half-brother, Charlie Chaplin, which led him to become somewhat of a recluse. Although he did not live to see his son’s success in music, his family connections remained notable in the entertainment industry.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Limelight | 1952-10-23 | Thereza’s Doctor |
| Mud and Sand | 1922-11-13 | Sapo |
| The Great Dictator | 1940-10-15 | Heinrich Schtick / Translator (voice) |
| Monsieur Verdoux | 1947-09-26 | Salesman (uncredited) |
| The Crucifix Of Destiny | 1920-01-01 | Paul Drummond |
| Tom’s Little Star | 1919-08-23 |