Former child star George Bookasta, who was discovered by Charlie Chaplin, has died at the age of 96. The actor died at his home in New York last week (26Mar14) following a bout of pneumonia.
He was signed to the United Artists film studio after Chaplin spotted him as a toddler dressed up as the star’s signature tramp character, including fake moustache and bowler hat.
Bookasta made his film debut aged six in 1923’s Rosita, he went on to star in The Great O’Malley opposite Humphrey Bogart, as well as That Night in Rio, The Chocolate Soldier and Red Danube.
He later set up TV Time magazine in the 1950s as well as focusing on directing TV projects.
- Advertisement -
