Actor Sydney Chaplin dead at 82

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif., March 6 (UPI) -- U.S. actor Sydney Chaplin, the son of silent film star Charlie Chaplin, has died in Rancho Mirage, Calif. He was 82.

The Desert Sun newspaper in Palm Springs, Calif., said Sydney Chaplin had suffered a stroke at his summer home in Saugatuck, Mich., last year.

He is best known for his Tony Award-winning performance in Broadway's "The Bells Are Ringing" in 1957, as well as for his work opposite Barbra Streisand in the stage version of "Funny Girl" in 1964.

He also appeared in the films "Limelight" in 1952 and "A Countess from Hong Kong" in 1966. His father directed both movies, The Desert Sun said.

Sydney Chaplin was the owner of Chaplin's dinner club, a popular celebrity hangout, in Rancho Mirage in the late 1980s and early '90s, as well.

He is survived by his wife, Margret, and Stephan, his son from a previous marriage.

A private memorial service is expected to be held later this month.