Charlie Sanford Brill, a talented character actor and comedian, was born in the vibrant city of Brooklyn, New York. His older brother, Marty Brill, was a renowned piano prodigy and nightclub entertainer, setting a high bar for Charlie's own creative pursuits.
In 1958, Charlie made his screen debut, marking the beginning of a long and illustrious career in the entertainment industry. The following year, he met his future wife, actress Mitzi McCall, at a Paramount comedy workshop, and the two would go on to share a lifelong passion for comedy.
Charlie and Mitzi tied the knot in 1960 and embarked on a hilarious journey as a comedic duo, touring the United States with their own act. They also made regular appearances on popular television shows, including the iconic sketch comedy series Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In in 1967, where they played a feuding couple.
The couple's chemistry on screen was undeniable, and they also appeared as celebrity contestants on the popular game show Tattletales in 1974. Charlie's impressive range and versatility led to numerous TV guest spots and voice-over work in animation, including several productions from the legendary Hanna-Barbera studio.
In the 1990s, Charlie landed a significant role as Captain Harry Lipschitz in the CBS crime drama Silk Stalkings, with his real-life wife Mitzi playing the character Frannie. This marked a notable milestone in his career, showcasing his ability to tackle a wide range of roles.
However, Charlie will likely be best remembered for his iconic portrayal of Arne Darvin, a cunning Klingon saboteur masquerading as a human, in the classic Star Trek episode "The Trouble with Tribbles" in 1966. This memorable performance was made possible thanks to the introduction by none other than Leonard Nimoy.
Decades later, Charlie reprised his role as Arne Darvin in the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episode "Trials and Tribble-ations" in 1993, a testament to his enduring legacy in the Star Trek franchise.
Now happily retired since 2015, Charlie has revealed in a recent interview that he spends his days enjoying simple pleasures, including smoking cigars, drinking coffee, and socializing with fellow coffee and cigar enthusiasts.
