Charlie Picerni, a notable individual, entered the world in Corona, Queens, New York, a borough nestled in the easternmost part of the city, on a specific date, as the fourth of five siblings born to loving Italian parents. Following his formal education at high school, Picerni embarked on a journey of self-discovery, taking on various occupations to hone his skills and gain valuable work experience. One such endeavor was his stint in the construction industry, where he contributed to the development of high-rise buildings in the iconic Manhattan skyline, a testament to his dedication and perseverance.
Charlie's journey began with a romantic union to his childhood sweetheart, Marie, in a tender and intimate ceremony, followed by the arrival of their firstborn child. Yet, as the years passed, Charlie's sense of purpose began to shift, and he found himself increasingly disillusioned with the rigors of his construction work. This growing discontent ultimately led him to make the bold decision to leave behind the familiarity of his hometown and set his sights on the sun-kissed west coast, driven by a burning passion to forge a new path in the vibrant world of the film industry.
Charlie's sibling, Paul Picerni, was a prominent actor on the extremely popular television series "The Untouchables" at the time, and Charlie himself found himself drawn to the world of acting, taking on various roles including that of a stand-in, extra, and stunt double on the show.
Charlie's remarkable career trajectory began with a stellar stint as a daredevil stuntman, effortlessly executing death-defying stunts with unparalleled precision and finesse. As his skills and reputation grew, he naturally transitioned into the coveted role of stunt coordinator, overseeing the high-octane action sequences for various television programs.
However, it was his groundbreaking collaboration with the esteemed actor Paul Michael Glaser that catapulted him to widespread recognition. Charlie's impressive skills as both stunt coordinator and stunt double for Glaser on the iconic 1970s TV series "Starsky and Hutch" earned him a permanent place in the annals of television history.
Aaron Spelling and Duke Vincent, two esteemed industry professionals, recognized the exceptional talent of Charlie and accordingly motivated him to pursue a career in direction. This encouragement led Charlie to embark on a journey, commencing with the opportunity to direct second unit on the popular television series "Starsky and Hutch". As he honed his skills, he gradually progressed to directing individual episodes of the show, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.
Charlie's professional trajectory took a significant turn as he persisted in his role as a stunt coordinator and second unit-director on a variety of television programs, with notable appearances on the popular shows "Kojak" and "Magnum, P.I."
As his experience and expertise grew, Charlie expanded his repertoire by taking on the responsibility of directing television shows for esteemed producers Aaron Spelling, Leonard Goldberg, and Stephen J. Cannell.
Charlie's remarkable work in the film industry garnered the attention of renowned Warner Brothers producer Joel Silver, who subsequently extended an invitation for him to assume the role of stunt coordinator on the iconic motion picture "Die Hard". This pivotal opportunity led to a plethora of subsequent projects, with Charlie's talents being showcased in an impressive array of films, including the highly acclaimed sequels "Die Hard 2", the cult classic "Road House", the action-packed thrill ride "Lethal Weapon 2", and the equally thrilling "Lethal Weapon 3".
Charlie's professional endeavors extend far beyond his impressive body of work in the film industry, as he has also had the distinction of helming multiple episodes of the popular television series "Seven Days" for Paramount studios, a testament to his versatility and range as a director.
Charlie's passion for direction led him to enroll in the esteemed Beverly Hills Playhouse, where he spent two years honing his skills and expanding his knowledge of the craft. This dedication to his craft ultimately culminated in the creation of his first feature film, "Three Days to Vegas," a cinematic masterpiece that showcased his multifaceted talents as director, producer, and co-writer.
Charlie made his mark in the world of theatre in 2010 by successfully directing the renowned playwright Ayn Rand's masterpiece, "Night of January 16th", at the esteemed Odyssey Theatre, earning widespread critical acclaim in the process.
As his creative endeavors continue to unfold, Charlie is presently dedicated to the development and writing of his own unique project, "Spaghetti Park", which he will not only pen but also bring to life as both producer and director.
Charlie holds a distinguished membership within the prestigious Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, a renowned organization that celebrates and honors outstanding achievements in the cinematic arts.
