Charles was born into a show business family, with his father, Alfred Shaughnessy, serving as the principal writer for the renowned London Weekend Television/ITV series Upstairs, Downstairs, which premiered in 1971, and his mother, Jean Lodge, being an accomplished actress.
Charles's early exposure to the world of entertainment led him to begin appearing in plays during his school years. He then attended Eton College, where he pursued his academic interests, before going on to read law at Magdalene College, Cambridge.
While at Cambridge, Charles joined Footlights, a prestigious comedy revue, where he honed his comedic skills and developed his passion for the performing arts. After completing his studies, he decided to return to his roots and pursue a career in acting, enrolling in a London drama school, which ultimately led him to embark on a successful touring career with a repertory company.
As his career continued to flourish, Charles made the bold decision to relocate to America, where he eventually met and married the actress who would become his lifelong partner. His big break came when he landed a role on the popular television series The Nanny, which premiered in 1993.
