Charlie's life began on April 22nd, 1951, in Salt Lake City, Utah, a city nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, where the crisp mountain air and breathtaking natural beauty would later serve as a source of inspiration for his future endeavors.
As a young boy, Charlie's life took a dramatic turn when his father, a pillar of strength and guidance, tragically passed away when Charlie was just 10 years old, leaving his single mother to navigate the challenges of raising a young child on her own.
In the aftermath of this devastating loss, Charlie and his mother made the bold decision to relocate to New York City, a bustling metropolis that would provide a fresh start and a chance for Charlie to grow and thrive in a new environment.
Charlie's formative years were spent attending New York parochial schools, where he developed a strong foundation in academics and a sense of community that would stay with him for the rest of his life.
As he entered his teenage years, Charlie made the courageous decision to leave his hometown and spend his high school years at Stonyhurst College in Lancashire, England, a prestigious boarding school that would provide him with a world-class education and introduce him to a diverse group of students from all over the globe.
During his time at Stonyhurst, Charlie had the opportunity to rub shoulders with future industry professionals, including director Charles Sturridge and actor Edward Duke, who would later become lifelong friends and colleagues.
This unique blend of cultures, experiences, and influences would shape Charlie's perspective and inform his creative pursuits, laying the groundwork for a life of artistic expression and innovation that would span decades to come.
Charlie's academic journey led him to the esteemed University of Connecticut, where he dedicated himself to the study of theater, laying the foundation for a lifelong passion. His subsequent move to Carnegie Mellon University in the vibrant city of Pittsburgh marked a significant milestone, as he was awarded the prestigious Schubert Fellowship, allowing him to concentrate on the art of playwriting.
Following the successful culmination of his academic pursuits, Charlie made his way back to the vibrant metropolis of New York City, where he embarked on a career as a playwright, witnessing his penned works take to the stage at illustrious institutions such as La Mama ETC, Primary Stages, Playwrights Horizons, The Actors Theater of Louisville, and The Edinburgh Festival.
In order to sustain himself financially, Charlie diversified his professional endeavors, taking on a variety of jobs to make ends meet. Among these roles, he worked as a bookseller, honing his skills in the literary realm, as well as a bartender, refining his ability to craft tantalizing cocktails and provide exceptional customer service. Additionally, he dabbled in the art of paper hanging, developing a proficiency in the intricate process of applying decorative paper to walls and other surfaces.
Charlie's professional journey began in 1978, when he was handpicked by Columbia Pictures to participate in a prestigious writers program designed to mitigate the damaging fallout from the highly publicized David Begelman/Cliff Robertson scandal that had rocked the entertainment industry.
As a result of his participation in this esteemed program, Charlie's first produced film came to fruition, being an adaptation of a play he had penned during his time at Carnegie Mellon University. The film, titled "Paternity," boasted an impressive cast, featuring none other than the charismatic Burt Reynolds, alongside the skilled direction of David Steinberg.
Charlie's illustrious career in the film industry spanned multiple decades, with a remarkable output of over a dozen movies produced during the 1980s and 1990s. Notably, he worked alongside the esteemed director Stanley Donen on the production of "Blame It On Rio", a cinematic masterpiece that showcased his versatility as a performer. Furthermore, Charlie ventured into the realm of direction, helming two of his own projects, including the critically acclaimed "Passed Away", which featured the talented Bob Hoskins, and "Music From Another Room", a poignant drama that starred Jude Law, Brenda Blethyn, and Charlie himself.
Charlie's extensive body of work is a testament to his dedication and passion for the craft, as he has had the privilege of collaborating with some of the most renowned directors in the industry. Notably, he has worked with the acclaimed Robert Mulligan and Bruce Beresford, both of whom are highly respected for their unique vision and artistic excellence. Throughout his career, Charlie has consistently demonstrated his ability to adapt to diverse roles and genres, solidifying his position as a talented and versatile actor.
Charlie's professional trajectory has been marked by an impressive array of accomplishments, boasting a staggering portfolio of credits that spans multiple decades.
Notably, he has lent his expertise to the creation of over forty motion pictures, leaving an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape.
Furthermore, Charlie has also shared his wealth of knowledge by teaching screenwriting at the esteemed University of Southern California.
It was during one of his graduate classes at USC that Amanda Silver penned the screenplay for the critically acclaimed film "The Hand That Rocks the Cradle".
Most recently, Charlie brought his unique vision to the big screen with the release of "My One and Only", a captivating drama starring the talented Renee Zellweger, directed by the acclaimed Richard Loncraine.
Charlie's literary endeavors have extended beyond his own authored works, with his contributions featured in the esteemed compilation "I Thought My Father Was God", edited by the renowned author Paul Auster. Furthermore, his short play "Striking Out The Babe" has received widespread recognition, with numerous regional theaters and educational institutions proudly presenting productions of his work.
