Michael Carl O'Neil

"Isn't he cute"
A remark often heard.

as
Charlie Chaplin

The Canadian Tramp

(Charlie Chaplin - The Original)

...People, break into smiles when they recognise him strolling by. O'Neil said he
does a little Chaplin shuffle for them, which makes them smile even more. "You
know you are getting to them. It's a heart-to-heart thing".
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The Mail - Star Wednesday, August 17, 1988 - Halifax, Nova Scotia
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MICHAEL CARL O'NEIL's

Charlie Chaplin's Canadian Tramp...

popular for his walkaround techniques:

the first to bring the popular and unique

"Crossing of the Street" routine

from an abandoned scene from the 1936 "Modern Times" movie

to festivals around the world since 1986!!

For example:

In 1996 in New Zealand, this spontaneous shot

caught the media's attention:

For a larger close-up, please click below:

and then in 2001...

This photo demonstrates...

Charlie Chaplin's Canadian Tramp attracting audiences

while performing his own and unique "Street Crossing" on La Rambla Street in Spain

as well as at the

Edmonton International Street Performers Festival 1992

Still popular....

Recent video footage from Edmonton International Street Performers Festival 2003

is a QuickTime movie - QuickTime is free from: http://www.apple.com/quicktime/

Charlie Chaplin's Canadian Tramp and the Living Statue - 2003

at the Edmonton International Street Performers Festival

(Size 1,836 KB)

For a larger version, please visit the video page!

VIDEO PAGE

BACKGROUND

I have created my own interpretation of Charlie Chaplin's Little Tramp which I call:

"The Canadian Tramp"

This roving character interacts with people of all ages with his own music from "Silent Films". Well-known for his spontaneity, he readily adapts to any environment including weather condition. This character does not believe in the phrase "Weather permitting"
(He loves the rain!)

Charlie sharing an umbrella in Singapore - 1997

"Raindrops keep fallin' on my head!"

Photo compliments of Jim of the Jim Show

He's perfect for festivals, fairs, parades, theme parks, lobby entertainment, malls, dances and parties.

"No matter where you are during the Festival, Charlie (O'Neil) may magically appear to
share some laughter and joy. Guaranteed, Charlie (O'Neil) will leave you with a
memorable impression and a smile on your face! "
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Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest - Canada's Great Bavarian Festival
August, Vol. 18, No. 1 - "Zeitung Souvenir Annual - October 7-15, 1994" - by Kim Winger

Having fun in parades - Bobcaygeon Fair, Bobcaygeon, Ontario, Canada

A surprised guest at the Dusit Balikpapan, Indonesia

Anywhere... you'll find him! Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

"Truly a universal character - bringing smiles and laughter to all ages!"

"Michael's depiction of "Charlie Chaplin" is the best I've ever seen. He silently is able to enchant a wide variety of audiences... small, large, young, or old. He can effectively rove or do focused shows. He never fails to draw smiles from his audience."

- Mr. Dick Finkel, Producer, Edmonton International Street Performer's Festival - 1993

"His Little Tramp character is suitably sorrowful, and hysterical. No matter what situation we placed him in -- on a sidewalk, at a charity function or at a sponsor dinner -- he delighted young and old alike. Just watching him trying to get across a busy street turned into a whole afternoon of fun."

- Ms. Kim Kelley, Executive Director, Halifax International Busker Festival - 1995

To book this act,

For information, please click and take a look!

January 2003 - New to INSPIRATIONS - Latest footage of Charlie Chaplin!