Crossword Genius

Funny film star — fellow getting nothing back (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

chaplin

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'funny film star' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'fellow getting nothing back' is the wordplay.
'fellow' becomes 'chap' (both can mean a man).
'getting' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'nothing' becomes 'nil' (eg nil is zero in football).
'back' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'nil' reversed gives 'lin'.
'chap'+'lin'='CHAPLIN'

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(Other definitions for chaplin that I've seen before include "bowler went over this player's head?" , "Charlie . . . . . . ., great clown of the cinema" , "Comedian who wore baggy pants and bowler hat" , "Old comedy star" , "Charlie --, silent film star" .)

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