Anecdotes

Initially studied graphic design at an art school in Leicester, but on returning to Devon, a passion for acting took over his interest.

Played a Bond villain in Rien que pour vos yeux (1981) and Bond creator Ian Fleming in the TV movie Goldeneye (1989).

Following the death of his father when he was age four, his mother moved him and his siblings to the Plymouth area of Devon. Charles went on to take an interest in acting and two retired RADA actors agreed to coach him part time.

Despite frequently playing debonair characters, he claims he is not very fashionable in his personal life and usually dons a T-shirt and jeans at home.

He was awarded the OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to drama in the 2006 Queen's Birthday Honours List.

Engaged to sculptor Eleanor Boorman in 2010. Together they had a daughter, Rose, in March 2012 but have since separated.

In 1975, he became supporting player with the Royal Shakespeare Company and played roles in "Hamlet", "Henry IV", "Richard III", "Henry V", "As You Like It" and "Coriolanus", among others.

Found international notice after playing the leading part of Guy Perron in the television miniseries The Jewel in the Crown (1984).

Has 3 children. Oliver Matthew Dance (born 1974), Rebecca (born 1980) and Rose (born 2012).

On "Who Do You Think You Are," Charles learned that his father, Walter Dance, was 71 years old at his birth and died when Charles was about 4. Walter had been previously married, and had a daughter, Norah, who was born in 1898 and died in 1993 in South Africa. While Charles' mother had been a house servant and a waitress, she had been the great great granddaughter of an artist and art teacher from Belgium named Charles Francois Futvoye (an expert in chinoiserie style art, a popular style in England in the early 19th century). He also ran an art shop in the Maybourne neighborhood.

Appeared on the London stage in "Shadowlands" with Janie Dee.

Originally planned to become a graphic designer after graduating from the Plymouth college of Art before becoming interested in Acting.

Son of Eleanor Marion (Perks), a cook, and Walter Dance, an engineer. His father was of English and Irish descent, and his mother was of English ancestry.

Has a brother David but different fathers.

He has appeared in three films that have been nominated for the Best Picture Oscar: Un week-end à Gosford Park (2001), Le jeu de l'imitation (2014) and Mank (2020).

About 1981 made 2 tea commercials in Sri Lanka.