John Leslie “Jackie” Coogan was born on this day in 1914 in Los Angeles. A child actor who started in vaudeville and films as an infant, he gained fame when he costarred with Charlie Chaplin in 1921’s The Kid. Other starring roles followed, as did merchandising deals (Jackie Coogan Peanut Butter, anybody?).

Coogan’s earnings were overseen by his father, who had invested them carefully. On his 21st birthday, Coogan was due to come into a cool three to four million dollars (70 to 90 million today). But tragedy struck when Coogan’s father was killed in a car accident five months before Jackie turned 21. Coogan’s mother consulted with the family financial advisor (whom she later married). Apparently his advice was that she should blow her son’s fortune on luxuries for herself and her future husband. An orgiastic buying spree including jewelry, furs and high end automobiles followed. Coogan sued the pair when he became an adult, but only recovered $250,000 dollars. In her defense, Coogan’s mother said that “Jackie is a bad boy” to whom no promises had been made and that acting had been like playing for him. The ensuing publicity led to the passing of The California Child Actor’s Bill, popularly known as the Coogan Act, which was the first laws that sought to protect child actors from predatory parents.

During World War II, Coogan, who had civilian flying experience, was a glider pilot in the Air Force, and spent time serving in India. After the war he continued to act in small roles in movies and TV and was eventually cast in the role he is probably best remembered for today, Uncle Fester on The Addams Family. Although the show only ran for two seasons and had a total of 64 episodes it became a syndication staple and Uncle Fester became a cultural icon.

Jackie Coogan passed away in 1984 at the age of 69. At his request his funeral was open to the public so that fans could attend. His Addams Family costar, John Astin, delivered the eulogy.